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Commission moves to enforce clearing and unpermitted work, proposes fines and enforcement orders
Summary
Staff reported several unpermitted activities — clearing within a pond/50-foot buffer and retaining-wall and walkway work after a verbal cease-and-desist — and the commission directed staff to prepare enforcement orders and fines, recommending per-tree fines and doubled fines for contractors.
The Dennis Conservation Commission directed staff to prepare enforcement orders and fines after staff reported multiple instances of unauthorized clearing and construction.
Staff described significant clearing and stump grinding at a property on Lower County Road within the pond and 50-foot buffer and recommended fines for both the clearing and individual trees removed. "I would say a fine for each tree that was removed and also fines for the clearing within the buffer zone and on the pond shore," staff said, adding a suggested $300 fine for each removed tree.
Separately, the commission reviewed a retaining wall and walkway built at 225 Main Street in South Dennis without permits and after a verbal cease-and-desist; staff recommended an enforcement order and fines for both homeowner and contractor. The commission agreed and asked staff to double the fines for the contractor where appropriate and to prepare documentation for signatures and follow-up.
For other projects (including work at 973 Route 6A), the commission asked for as-built plans showing current conditions and directed staff to issue modest administrative fines where plans deviated from prior orders. The commission emphasized that fines should be issued to both homeowner and contractor when appropriate and instructed staff to include requirements for site stabilization and revegetation in restoration approvals.
