HomeMy WebLinkAboutRevision memo 4.7.2026
CAPE COD ENGINEERING, INC.
Robert M. Perry, P.E.
P.O. Box 1517
East Dennis, MA 02641
508-385-1445
bobperry@capecodengineering.com
April 7, 2026
Town of Yarmouth
Conservation Commission
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
RE: 22 South Street, South Yarmouth – SE 83-2520 - Revised Plan
To the Conservation Commission,
Attached please find a revised plan showing the public through-access stairways and we
changed to a 1-inch plank spacing to the typical framing detail in place of the ¾ inch
specified on the NOI plan. The change is submitted to allow issuance of the Order.
The plan reviewed at the hearing showed a one-inch plank spacing only where the pier
crossed over the Salt Marsh. The shellfish survey shellfish count of two quahogs and 2
oysters giving no indication the intertidal zone and river bottom was a shellfish bed. If the
regulations intended any land containing shellfish to be a shellfish bed there appears to be
no reason to use the phrase “shellfish bed”.
When discussing the 1 inch spacing with the applicants, they raised the accurate
possibility that such spacing was less than safe due to the fact it invites items to be caught
such as a strap or buckle. A slight amount of research indicates that a one-inch deck
plank spacing is deemed unsafe. Small feet, life jacket buckles, toes, other small objects
can wedge and catch into a one-inch gap. Other concerns like heels and small pet feet,
walking canes are not likely to be present on a marine pier but are all listed as
problematic for a one inch spacing. The one inch spacing does not offer a significant
difference in light penetration with the pier elevated as it is when considering the
plausible user issues resulting from the wide plank spacing.
The applicant is requesting that the plank spacing be ¾ inch except where it crosses over
the salt marsh. If possible, rather than seek an Amended Order, perhaps the decision can
be considered as a plan change. Thank you for your consideration of the request.
Sincerely,
Cape Cod Engineering, Inc.
Robert M. Perry, P.E.
Cc: Frank and Lida Lloyd