Commission approves Determination for stair replacement at 87 Ionia Road

The Wellfleet Conservation Commission on June 17 voted unanimously to issue a "Negative 3" determination permitting the replacement of an existing stairway at 87 Ionia Road.

Dylan, the applicant’s on-line representative, told the commission the existing stair set had deteriorated and the homeowner sought to rebuild the stairs in the same footprint with new support and concrete sonotube footings. "There's quite a bit of rot going up the stairway where the framing attaches to the main part of the deck," he said, and described 12-inch sonotube footings that would sit near flush with the ground.

Commissioners focused on the height of the footings and potential stormwater diversion. One commissioner noted the performance standard that "no new structure diverts storm water," and the commission said it would condition any approval so footings are as flush with grade as feasible. Dylan said the goal was to make the finished footings "flush to the ground" for both performance and aesthetics.

After questions about the number and location of footings (the plan shows four under the landing), a motion was made and seconded to issue a Negative 3 determination. The roll-call vote was recorded as unanimous; Dylan was told Jen, the commission secretary, would be in touch and that he should receive the permit next week.

The commission treated the matter as a repair/like-for-like replacement in the same footprint; the permit conditions will require the footings be installed to avoid diverting stormwater and to remain as low-profile as practical. The commission did not identify any amendments or further requirements beyond the standard conditions discussed at the hearing.

The commission’s decision closes the public hearing item for this proposal; staff will issue the permit and follow up with the applicant on conditions.