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Planning board approves riprap shoreline stabilization with conditions
Summary
The Shapleigh Planning Board approved a riprap shoreline-stabilization plan for an applicant identified as Tyler Matthews, imposing conditions including a 10-foot vegetated buffer, post-construction photos within 20 days, DEP-certified best-management oversight or homeowner completion, and engineer plans due by 2027-06-30.
The Shapleigh Planning Board voted to approve a shoreline stabilization plan that adds riprap and requires revegetation behind the new riprap, the board said at its March 10 meeting.
Board members said the project — presented to the board as a response to ongoing erosion — includes about 900 square feet of riprap and a vegetated buffer meant to prevent further shoreline loss. Chair (S4) read the conditions aloud, including a requirement that “a hard copy of post construction photos shall be required within 20 days of completion of the project to both the planning board and code enforcement office,” and that the person performing the work “shall be DEP certified in best management practice unless the homeowner does the project in its entirety.” The board recorded that engineer plans by Carl B. Beal, PE, dated 02/17/2026 must be completed by June 30, 2027, and that the final placement must be confirmed by survey and submitted within 20 days of completion.
Members emphasized preserving native vegetation. The earlier vegetation plan shown to the board specified a 10-foot buffer above the riprap with mulch and native plantings. Chair (S4) said the DP requested “a 10 foot vegetated buffer behind the riprap,” and Mike Gibson (S2) supported the approach: “I think the proposal that Tyler has put forward is really the best way” to stabilize the site. The board also noted the submitted plant list includes native species and asked the applicant to confirm quantities to ensure full coverage of disturbed areas.
The approval included a condition that, if the engineer plan deadline cannot be met, the applicants must return to the board to amend the approval and set a new completion date; otherwise the approval becomes null and void and a new application must be submitted. The board also required that the minimum slope and riprap specifications shown on the C3 sheet be followed and that the MPP remain in place until revegetation and stabilization are complete.
The motion to approve the conditions was made and seconded during the meeting and the board voted to approve the conditions as read. The planning board’s action allows the applicant to proceed subject to the stated conditions and follow-ups; staff will expect the post-construction photographs and the verification survey once work is complete.
