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Select Board hears draft stormwater regulations; staff recommends June public hearing
Summary
Staff presented a detailed draft of stormwater regulations to implement the town’s stormwater bylaw: thresholds, design standards, a registry-of-deeds requirement for stormwater systems, and ongoing 'coffee hour' outreach; board was asked to hold a public hearing on June 23 and consider adoption in July.
Town staff and engineering consultants presented draft stormwater regulations intended to implement the stormwater bylaw adopted last October, outlining permit thresholds, design and maintenance standards, and an implementation plan for consistent administration.
Management analyst Kim Donovan said the regulations set clear standards and procedures — including thresholds (examples cited: 100 cubic yards of earth movement and 4,000 ft² of new impervious surface), design/performance standards, and recordation requirements so private stormwater systems are recorded at the registry of deeds to ensure future owners know to maintain them. "The proposed stormwater regulations establish clear permit thresholds, design requirements, performance standards, review procedures, and operation and maintenance obligations," Donovan said.
Town Engineer Tom Ryder and staff noted the draft includes practical permit 'scenarios' and that the regulations are intended to be part of existing permit frameworks (building and street permits) rather than a separate stormwater permit. Staff emphasized outreach — ongoing coffee hours for contractors and design professionals — and recommended a public hearing on June 23 with a possible Select Board vote in July to adopt the separate regulations document.
Board members asked about discretionary thresholds, the registry requirement, tree planting tied to impervious area, and follow‑up guidance for applicants. Staff said they will continue public education, update online guidance and threshold scenarios, and train staff for consistent review and enforcement.
