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ZBA approves limited wetland buffer crossing for Upper Ladd Hill driveway
Summary
Representatives said a shared driveway and emergency-access connection require a small wetlands buffer crossing to reach the buildable portion of a two-lot subdivision; the board found impacts minimal and granted a special exception with standard permitting conditions.
Carl Johnson, speaking for Upper Ladd Hill Holdings, told the board the application is for a two-lot subdivision whose buildable area at the parcel’s end can be reached only by a shared driveway that would incur limited wetland buffer impacts (approximately 4,279 square feet of buffer impact and 307 square feet of direct impact).
Johnson said a certified wetland scientist identified the wetlands and Department of Public Works reviewed and approved the proposed entrance. A nearby resident, Mary of 12 Sunset Hill Road, asked whether multiple dwellings are planned; Johnson said the hearing was limited to the wetland impact and that future development will be reviewed by the Planning Board.
The board reviewed alternatives and found the proposal represented the minimum unavoidable impact to reach the buildable area. Jutton and other members noted that the applicant had minimized the crossing and that downslope properties appeared distant from the work. The board voted 5-0 to grant the special exception, subject to all state and federal permits being on file prior to occupancy and that the approval applies only to the plans on file.
The board emphasized that the applicant must satisfy required permits and that subsequent Planning Board review may be required for the subdivision layout.
