Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Septic Bylaws topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee debates aligning Deerfield septic bylaws with state to ease ADU and multifamily options
Summary
Committee members discussed whether Deerfield should align its septic requirements with state codes to facilitate accessory dwelling units and small multifamily housing; some members warned local soil and high water-table conditions justify stricter rules and any bylaw change would require Select Board referral and Town Meeting approval.
At the April 8 meeting, committee member Lili Dwight raised the possibility of aligning Deerfieldseptic requirements with state standards to make it easier for homes on septic systems to add accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and for small multi-family units to be sited in town.
Committee member Carolyn Ness responded that Deerfield has a high water table and a higher rate of septic failure, saying soils in many parts of town are not ideal and that is the practical reason the town enforces stricter standards. Guest Alex Galloway said she had spoken with the Health Inspector and described the townbylaws as "not based in science," suggesting clearer, science-based standards could enable duplexes or condominiums where appropriate.
Pam Predmore asked why the committee was considering the change when the current senior-housing site is on sewer; members said the change could help future sites that might rely on septic and enable existing homeowners to add ADUs. The committee noted that any proposed bylaw changes would need Select Board consideration and referral to Town Meeting for adoption.
Carolyn Ness suggested pursuing grant funding to address town sewer infrastructure for areas such as the Old Deerfield sewer system, which could alter the feasibility of development in some locations. No formal motion to change bylaws or to apply for a specific grant was recorded at the meeting.
