Norfolk conservation commission grants negative determinations for two residential projects with erosion controls

The Norfolk Conservation Commission on July 1 voted to issue negative determinations (a permit finding of limited or no jurisdictional impact) for two separate residential projects after hearings and technical discussion about buffer distances, equipment access and erosion controls.

For 17 Kenny Pond Road, the owner and representative told the commission the proposal adds an in-ground pool, a pool house, patio and retaining walls on a lot that was previously developed. The representative described the plan as located to the south of the existing house with most work in the rear yard and outside the 50-foot wetland buffer; he said the pool house footprint is about 81 feet from the wetlands at its closest point. Commissioners pressed for erosion-control measures during construction and through the winter; the permit conditions require short-term material storage only, a 6-inch straw wattle with a silt fence, crushed stone over exposed soils and maintenance of controls if work extends into colder months. Adam Zucker made the motion to issue the negative 3 determination and the commission passed it by roll-call vote with all members present voting in favor.

The commission also approved a negative 3 determination for a deck replacement at 2 Old Mill Road. Contractor Kevin of Deck It said the existing 30-year-old deck will be rebuilt in the same footprint using minimal-disturbance helical piles (screw-type supports) rather than concrete footings; commissioners confirmed the deck’s edge sits within the 100-foot buffer but outside the 50-foot buffer and discussed staging, equipment access and protection for exposed soils. The permit requires a silt fence, a 6-inch straw wattle, crushed stone in exposed areas, no long-term material storage on site and restriction of heavy equipment in the rear beyond a walk-behind helical driver. Commissioners closed the hearing and voted to issue the determination by roll call; the motion passed.

Both approvals were framed by the commission as case-by-case determinations that rely on the applicant’s representations and the installation of specified erosion controls. The commission’s conditions emphasize: limit staging to locations outside the 50-foot wetland buffer where possible; use silt fence and straw wattle with crushed stone to stabilize exposed soils; and avoid long-term material stockpiles that could generate runoff.

Commissioners and staff said they will monitor compliance and that site stabilization (compaction and finish landscaping) is generally expected after winter settling. No permit amendment or variance was requested at the meetings; both matters were closed after the roll-call votes.

Article ends with the most recent procedural steps: both hearings were closed and the negative 3 determinations issued; applicants must meet the stated erosion-control and staging conditions. The commission did not set additional hearings for either project at the July 1 meeting.