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Commission continues work on draft coastal storm‑flowage regulations; seeks public outreach and clearer definitions
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a new draft of coastal storm‑flowage regulations, debating definitions for "nature‑based" measures, temporary seawalls, hydrologic analysis standards, and redevelopment footprint language; staff will produce a clean draft for public hearings and develop outreach materials.
The commission spent substantial time reviewing and refining a draft of proposed coastal storm‑flowage regulations, focusing on definitional clarity, acceptable technical analyses, and public outreach before seeking formal public comment.
Chair summarized changes incorporated from earlier comments and solicited input on key items: a definition for "nature‑based flood protection measures," the meaning of "temporary seawall," appropriate thresholds and methods for hydrologic/flood analysis to demonstrate a project will not redirect or exacerbate flooding, and whether redevelopment should be limited to the previously developed footprint or the foundation footprint. Commissioners discussed replacing vague phrases with legally clear language (for example, whether standards should prevent projects that "cause" damage or merely "create the likelihood" of damage) and recommended referring to Massachusetts stream crossing design guidance where appropriate.
The commission agreed staff should prepare a clean version of the draft regulations and accompanying plain‑language outreach materials and schedule one or more public hearings. The chair noted town meeting and town counsel review would come later in the process once public input is gathered.
