Planning board tables house‑relocation decision, says revegetation plan is insufficient

The Shapleigh Planning Board voted to table a decision on moving a structure and its related best‑practical‑location (BPL) approval after concluding the submitted revegetation plan did not provide enough native plantings to offset disturbed area.

The application, introduced by the chair as a BPL item under applicant Todd Bressett for property owner Leonard Stallone, prompted detailed review of site constraints. Board members reviewed a vegetation exhibit dated 02/25/26 that listed native species intended for replanting but questioned whether the quantities and layout would adequately control runoff and satisfy the ordinance’s revegetation requirements. Chair (S4) noted that “we can’t really do anything different with the moving best practical location” until an updated revegetation plan is supplied.

Staff and members walked through lot‑coverage math presented in the survey (total lot area 47,526 sq ft; multiple non‑permitted patios and platforms were listed for removal, totaling 3,076 sq ft, yielding about 6.4 percent lot coverage after removals). Members cited stormwater rules and the 100‑year storm standard as reasons to expect more substantial native plantings and mulching: board discussion emphasized maintaining 10‑foot or wider vegetated buffers where applied and ensuring any disturbed area would be replanted with native species similar to those removed.

The board made and passed a motion to table the application until the applicant submits an updated revegetation plan that addresses plant quantities and stormwater controls. Mike Gibson (S2) made the motion to table; the chair seconded. The board asked staff to request a revised plan showing larger revegetation areas and clearer coverage calculations before reconsideration.