HomeMy WebLinkAboutVariance request 5.26.2026
Shorefront Consulting
Professional Services on Land or At Sea
290 Center St., Dennis Port, MA 02639 www.shorefrontconsulting.com
508-280-8046 shorefrontconsulting@gmail.com
Yarmouth Conservation Commission May 26, 2026
Attn: Brittany DiRienzo
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664-4492
By hand delivery and email
Re: Notice of Intent Application Filing Package; Request for Variance for work within the 35’ buffer
Proposed Reconstruction of Existing Bulkhead, Float Reduction, and ATF Patio and Walkway
Thomas Dandis
7 Cape Isle Drive
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Map 19, Parcel 80
On behalf of my client, Thomas Dandis, I am submitting this request for a variance from work that has taken place
(after the fact) within the 35-foot buffer zone. The work consists of a stone patio that is against the landward side of the
dwelling, approximately 14.8’ from the bulkhead, and occupies approximately 202 square feet. There is also an
unpermitted stone walkway from the deck to the existing landing for the dock which occupies approximately 110 square
feet. The total square footage of the unpermitted work is approximately 312 square feet.
The applicant is requesting a variance to maintain these existing structures and provide the necessary mitigation to offset
any perceived negative impacts from the structures. For instance, there is an existing vegetated buffer strip which could be
enlarged. There is also existing vegetated buffers against the house which could also be enlarged, as well as areas on the
side of the property for plantings. No specific mitigation is offered because the bylaws state that the mitigation must be
specified by the commission for any work within the 35 -foot buffer. We are happy to work with the commission to
determine the appropriate mitigation that is provided by the applic ant that will allow the structures to remain and be
conditioned to contribute to the protection of the resource areas, utilizing a combination of the existing buffer and
additional buffer plantings as necessary.
The existing patio appears pervious and will not affect the surrounding resource areas in regards to the wetlands interests.
The patio has a small retaining wall around it, and can trap water or pollutants if necessary and will provide drainage and
absorption of runoff and protect the waterway from infiltration of storm water . The applicant wishes to keep the patio.
The additional walkway to the dock occupies approximately 110 square feet of turf lawn. There are existing plantings
areas which may be enlarged and can be utilized for additional plantings if necessary.
The alternatives which exist to rectify the after the fact work are simply to remove either (or both) the patio and walkway
in their entirety, or utilize a combination of existing and additional mitigation (of which there are endless options). Again,
the applicant will work with the commission to provide the appropriate mitigation and wants to keep these structures if at
all possible.
The potential environmental impacts and environmental benefits to the after the fact work reduce turf lawn, and provide
drainage in the flood zone to protect the waterway. There are many options to consider and we look forward to discussing
them with the commission to provide the necessary result.
Please schedule this request for your June 4th, 2026 public hearing. If there are any questions or concerns regarding this
filing, please contact me as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Mark Burgess
Shorefront Consulting
B.S. Ocean Engineering
Enclosures: As Stated
cc: Thomas Dandis (Applicant)