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Zoning panel approves Sheffield Cove special exception with drainage and monitoring conditions
Summary
The Old Saybrook Zoning Commission approved 7 Sheffield Cove LLC's special exception to import 1,500 cubic yards of fill and build a 3,111 sq. ft. house with conditions requiring an applicant engineer to monitor grading and a final engineer report before the zoning enforcement officer signs off.
The Old Saybrook Zoning Commission on Aug. 3 approved 7 Sheffield Cove LLC's special exception permit to bring in 1,500 cubic yards of fill and construct a 3,111-square-foot house, a 258-square-foot covered walkway and a 1,368-square-foot garage at merged lots on Sheffield Cove Road and Mulberry Street.
Attorney Edward Cassella spoke for the applicant and told the commission the plan had been revised to address outstanding drainage questions and that a peer review by engineer Thomas Metcalfe confirmed compliance with the town's stormwater manual. "We have to meet what's on that plan," Cassella said, acknowledging the commission can hold the applicant to the engineered measures but cannot guarantee flooding outcomes on neighboring properties.
Neighbors pressed the commission about stormwater and the volume of imported material. One commenter said the project felt "massive" and asked why the developer could not elevate the house on piers rather than bring in fill; another said ponding was observed on West Street after a recent storm. The applicant's team said the site survey and revised grading show adjoining parcels are generally higher than the subject lot and that roof water will be directed to a subsurface infiltration system sized for the proposal.
Commissioners approved approval subject to four conditions: (1) the applicant's engineer must monitor grading and drainage installation during construction up to and including issuance of a certificate of occupancy; (2) the applicant's engineer must provide a written report upon completion certifying the grading and drainage were installed according to the approved plan; (3) the zoning enforcement officer will not sign off on the project until that engineer's report is received; and (4) final plan sheets will clarify that a labeled mechanical pad is for utilities/mechanical equipment (not a generator pad). Chair Markel Derella read the motion; it was seconded and the chair announced the motion passed by voice vote.
The commission's action closes the public hearing on the coastal area management portion of the application; further state‑level permits (including flood permits) remain a separate process. The commission recorded the approval as consistent with the facts and materials submitted at the meeting.
