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Applicant seeks continuance for Towhee Trail steep-driveway special permit after Fire Chief recommendations
Summary
An applicant represented by SK Designs asked the Otis Planning Board to continue its public hearing on a special permit for a steep driveway on Towhee Trail; the applicant proposes a 15% maximum driveway grade and a wider 15-foot driveway following Fire Chief input and was asked to obtain police and EMS comments before the next meeting.
An applicant represented by SK Designs asked the Otis Planning Board on Feb. 9 to continue a public hearing on a special permit for a driveway that would exceed the town's usual 10% grade limit.
Matt of SK Designs told the board the existing lot grade is about 20–25% and the applicant is proposing a maximum 15% driveway grade. He said the Fire Chief met the applicant on site and recommended widening the driveway to 15 feet (from the originally planned 12 feet) to improve fire-truck access and also recommended the house be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system because of access concerns. "I have not received a response from anyone other than the fire chief," Matt said when asked whether police or EMS had submitted comments.
Chair Mark Anthony asked whether the driveway should be paved, how far the house would be from the end of the driveway and how runoff would be handled. Matt said the driveway will be cut into the property like a valley, with drainage ditches at the bottom and swales along the sides directing runoff downhill toward Towhee Trail; he said stairs will be required up to the house from the driveway given the steep site.
The applicant requested more time to consider the Fire Chief's recommendations and to obtain comments from police and EMS. Chair Mark Anthony moved to continue the public hearing to the board's March 9, 2026 meeting; Planning Board member Ross Knowles seconded the motion and the board approved it unanimously.
Why it matters: The proposed driveway design and the Fire Chief's recommendations affect public-safety access (fire-truck access and sprinklers) and stormwater flow onto Towhee Trail, so additional agency comments and technical adjustments are necessary before the board reaches a decision.
Next steps: The applicant will seek police and EMS feedback and return to the Planning Board on March 9, 2026 for the continued hearing.
