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Neighbors press DRB on stormwater, drainage and the board's jurisdiction
Summary
Residents asked the DRB to ensure construction won't change drainage or cause wet areas on adjacent yards; board members debated whether stormwater review falls under the DRB or state agencies and agreed to seek VLCT guidance and an engineer's written statement.
Multiple neighbors raised concerns that the proposed subdivision and construction activity could change local drainage patterns and create new wet areas on adjoining properties.
During the hearing an attendee said the concerns "don't appear to have been considered" and asked whether any hydrology or wetland delineation had been performed. Board members recognized the worry and discussed whether the Development Review Board has authority to require a full stormwater management plan for a small residential subdivision.
Chair Bill Irwin said the Agency of Natural Resources and the state wastewater process handle some aspects of stormwater and wastewater, but the board still has authority under the town bylaws to ask applicants to describe how they will manage stormwater. "I think it would be useful…to consult with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to see what their purview of the development review board is relative to stormwater management," the chair said.
Members settled on a hybrid approach: request a short, written engineer statement addressing runoff, erosion control and whether proposed features will alter drainage flows, and require fire‑department confirmation on access; the board will not finalize the plat until those items are submitted and reviewed.
