Haritch advances draft coastal resiliency regulations, plans public outreach

The Haritch Conservation Commission spent the largest portion of its July 1 meeting reviewing draft coastal resiliency regulations prepared with Cape Cod Commission assistance under a SNEP grant. Staff and commissioners walked through sections one through six and discussed definitions, mapping, and usability.

Staff explained the purpose: provide performance standards and clearer guidance where the state Wetlands Protection Act and current FEMA mapping do not specify performance standards for storm flowage and coastal flood zones. "The Cape Cod Commission put together draft coastal resiliency regulations and they're public on their website," staff said, and the town hopes to adopt regulations in the fall and align a bylaw amendment next spring.

Commissioners focused on: clarifying acronyms and definitions (V‑zone/velocity zone, coastal A/AO moderate wave action), adding visual cross‑sections for readers, linking to building code and FEMA map resources, and the age of FEMA maps (most recent full revision cited as 2014). They recommended adding diagrams that show the sections of town with multiple flood zones and suggested appending a town‑specific map showing dwellings at risk. The commission agreed to take up section seven at its first August meeting and flagged section eight (performance standards) for review as well.

The group also discussed procedure for assessing substantial improvement (50% rule) and agreed to reference assessed or appraised value and to consult the building commissioner on valuation in permit review. Commissioners signaled the need for broader public outreach and future public hearings once the performance sections are drafted.