HomeMy WebLinkAboutNarrative 1.26.2022Ry der
& Wilcox
$.GIDDIAH HILL ROAD P.O. BOX 439
SURVEYING ENGINEERING SO.ORLEANS, MASSACHUSETTS 02662-0439
HOME PLANNING & DESIGN TEL: 508.255.8312 FAX: 508.240.2306
EMAIL: info@ry&I-w1ICOR.00m
PROJECT NARRATIVE
PYTHON/LOUGHMAN PROPERTY
31 GRISTMILL LANE
January 26, 2022
Property Description
The property is a 9504+/- SF developed site. The property overlooks Mill Creek (tidal)
and is separated from the creek by Mill Creek Lane, a paved road. A salt marsh lies
adjacent to the waters of Mill Creek and extends onto the Site. The entire site is also
designated as Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (Zone AE, El I I and El 13 -
NAVD 1988). The 35', 50' and 100' Buffers are measured from the landward edge of
the salt marsh. The Riverfront (approximately 9504 SF) extends 200' landward of mean
high water.
An existing one-story single-family dwelling with deck and drive -under garage lies
approximately 17.6 feet from the marsh. According to Assessors records, the dwelling
was built in 1963 and contains three bedrooms. The Riverfront/Buffer/LSCSF is .
developed with lawn, plantings, and hardscaping including a brick walkway, concrete
retaining walls and a paved driveway. The square footage of existing buildings and
hardscaping within the Riverfronf is approximately 3370 SF.
The existing Title 5 septic system serving the dwelling was upgraded in 2004 and
consists of'a 1500-gallon septic tank and 1000-gallon pump chamber discharging to a
mounded leaching field. A 2016 Title 5 Inspection of the system found no evidence of
failure. The property is served by Town water.
Project Description
The Applicant proposes to remove the existing one-story building, including the
foundation, and construct a new two-story building on a poured concrete foundation with
a front porch and steps constructed on sonotubes. The proposed building is located
approximately 14.4' from the marsh. The new structure is located entirely within the
footprint of the existing developed area. The net increase in roof area is 502 SF. The
first floor of the proposed dwelling will be elevated above the 100-year flood elevation in
accordance with FEMA requirements. The dwelling will remain three -bedrooms and will
be connected to the existing septic system.
The existing paved driveway and retaining walls (approximately 1224 SF) will be
removed and replaced with a new, smaller driveway (approximately 496 SF) constructed
of pervious material and located on the opposite side of the property, further from the
marsh. The existing brick walkway will be removed.
A comparison of the existing/proposed coverages within the various buffers is illustrated
on the attached "Coverage Calculation Worksheet", and is as follows:
- Within the 35' Buffer, the habitable area increases by 119 SF. The total coverage is
reduced by 931 SF.
- Within the 35' 50' Buffer, the habitable area increases by 8 SF. The total
coverage increases by 288 SF.
- Within the 50' - 100' Buffer, the total coverage increases by 36 SF.
- The proposed project will result in an overall reduction in coverage (-606 SF)
The proposed project will result in an overall reduction in coverage (-606 SF) within the
Riverfront. (See attached Riverfront Coverage Worksheet.)
As mitigation for the proposed work, native plantings are proposed within the 50' buffer
to the marsh. Approximately 1600 SF of existing lawn/paved driveway area will be
restored with native plants. The remaining lawn area will be restored with loam and a
drought -tolerant native fescue grass mix.
CONSTRUCTION PROTOCOL
PHASE 1 — REMOVAL OF EXISTING STRUCTURES
The project engineer shall stake the location of the approved limit of work. A fabric
siltfence shall be securely staked in place along the limit of work. The siltfence shall
remain in place until all disturbed areas have been stabilized and revegetated. The
existing septic system components shall be adequately protected to prevent damage from
construction activities.
The existing building, deck, foundation and all hardscaping will be removed. Access to
the work area shall be from the existing driveway. An excavator will demolish the
structures, placing the debris either into a dumpster or directly into trucks to be hauled
off -site. The dumpster shall be provided with a suitable cover or be of adequate depth to
prevent wind-blown debris.
PHASE II — PROPOSED DWELLING
After the demolition and removal of the existing structures, the project engineer shall
stake the proposed foundation for excavation. All excavated material shall be
immediately placed into trucks and removed from the site. There shall be no stockpiling
of material on -site. The project engineer shall re -stake the foundation "in the hole" and
after the footings are poured.
A durable, waterproof tarp (or other suitable material) shall be placed in the driveway and
shall be used to contain any concrete overpour. The tarp and hardened concrete shall be
removed from the site and properly disposed.
Throughout construction, all debris shall either be placed in a dumpster or other suitable
container; the site shall be cleaned of debris on a daily basis.
The proposed building will be connected to the existing septic system. An impervious
barrier shall be installed along the exterior of the foundation as shown on the Proposed
Site Plan. New utilities shall be installed as shown on the site plan. Gutters and
downspouts connected to drywells or crushed stone at the roof dripline will be installed to
contain roof runoff.
Upon completion of backfilling and grading, all disturbed areas shall be revegetated. The
new driveway shall be constructed of pervious material.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
The goal of the project is to provide additional, updated living space. As the existing
dwelling, constructed nearly 60 years ago; lies entirely within the Riverfront, construction
within the Riverfront is unavoidable. In order to minimize the disturbance within the
Riverfront, the proposed building is located as far landward as is possible without further
encroaching on the existing septic system. The proposed structure and hardscaping are
located entirely within existing altered area. The net increase in roof area is 502 SF,
including an additional 127 SF of habitable footprint within the 50' Buffer. As
mitigation for the proposed increases, the existing paved driveway is being removed and
replaced with a smaller pervious driveway. Native plantings are proposed within the 50'
buffer to the marsh. Approximately 1600 SF of existing lawn/paved driveway area within
the Riverfront will be restored with native plants. The remaining lawn area will be
restored with loam and a drought -tolerant native fescue grass mix.