Richmond residents and staff seek clarity from state after vague review of Southview stormwater plan

A technical-but-high‑impact item at the May 18 meeting concerned the Southview stormwater Notice of Intent (NOI). Town engineers submitted a preliminary approach to the state, proposing that certain existing vegetated and ponded areas be counted as natural treatment so the project could meet required stormwater treatment with smaller constructed features. The state’s initial reply, according to town staff, was non‑specific and did not provide clear thresholds.

That prompted residents to raise a broader concern: under the permit language they read, once the town‑held permit is in place for the subdivision, additional impervious surface on private lots could require re‑engineering the entire permit if cumulative impervious area exceeds certain thresholds (a figure that residents understood to be near 5,000 square feet in earlier staff notes). Residents warned that an in‑place permit might restrict routine home modifications — sheds, decks or modest additions — without expensive re‑design work.

Town staff and engineering consultants said they planned to press the state for a clearer interpretation and pointed out that the state reply on the draft was preliminary. Several residents urged the Select Board to seek higher‑level clarification and to flag the issue to lawmakers; board members said they would follow up and urged staff to continue dialogues with the state and engineers to determine whether the permit could be structured to avoid unintended retroactive constraints on private property owners.

What happens next: staff will seek more precise written guidance from the state and report back. Residents were encouraged to raise concerns formally; board members noted that policy clarifications may require engagement at the legislative level because the state rules are set by statute or state administrative process.