Commission issues Positive 5/Negative 2 determinations for West Dennis house-elevation plan

Dan Crodo of Land Engineering presented a request for a determination of applicability for 36 South Village Road in West Dennis, saying the plan calls for lifting the existing house onto a new foundation with stairs and flood vents to meet floodplain requirements.

"The idea is to jack the existing house up," Crodo said, explaining the proposal would raise the first-floor elevation to about 15 feet, roughly one foot above the cited design flood elevation of 14, and that the house would be raised "another 9 feet" above its current floor to comply with the code. He described six flood vents and a revised profile to make the side walls flood-compliant and said the work would reduce flood insurance exposure for the homeowner.

Commissioners asked whether the septic would be altered; Crodo said the septic system would not be changed and that it is a very shallow system located close to the water. Commissioners also clarified the proposal includes garage and storage space beneath the elevated dwelling rather than a detached garage.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to close the public hearing and issue a Positive 5 determination (subject to review under the wetlands bylaw) and a Negative 2 determination (work within jurisdiction that will not alter the area); the motions passed and the commission signed the determinations.

The commission told the applicant the signed determinations would be available in a few days and confirmed the applicant could notify the contractor to proceed with the next steps.