HomeMy WebLinkAboutNarrative 6.4.2026Notice of Intent
286 South Sea Avenue
West Yarmouth, Massachusetts
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The proposed Project is located at 286 South Sea Avenue, in West Yarmouth, MA (the Site)
involves construction of a single-family home with appurtenances and a detached accessory
dwelling (the Project). This application is being submitted in accordance with the
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act 310 CMR 10.00 (WPA) and the Town of Yarmouth
Wetland Protection Bylaw and Regulations (the Yarmouth Bylaw).
2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION
The Site is located in a residential area, bordered by Radio Land to the south. The Site itself
is an undeveloped, forested lot with a historic access easement through the center . The
proposed project falls within the following areas of conservation jurisdiction that are
protected under the WPA and the Bylaw include:
• Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF), FEMA Floodzone AE (Elevation 11)
• NHESP Priority Habitat 232 (PH) and Estimated Habitat (EH)
3.0 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
The proposed project involves the construction of a 4-bedroom single family dwelling with
attached garage, deck, and asphalt driveway, as well as a 2-bedroom detached accessory
dwelling with partially elevated deck, pathway, and extension of the asphalt driveway. These
two dwellings will be supported by a Title V septic system with a leaching field underlain by
a 40 mil poly liner.
As the Site is partially developed, with a historic cleared path and storage area. Roughly 0.5
acres of forested areas will be cleared to accommodate the proposed project elements. This
clearing will include 20 mature pines and 16 mature oaks. An existing septic system on the
Site will be pumped, crushed and removed from the Site. Additionally, to meet FEMA
floodzone compliance the Site will be elevated using 1,700 cubic yards (cy) of clean fill to
bring the base elevation of the dwellings to 9.3 ft. The foundation of the dwellings will contain
flood vents at elevation 9.5. Additionally, the attached slab garage will be at elevation 12.25
and flood vents will be installed along the foundation.
At the limit of disturbance/edge of clearing, sediment controls will demarcate roughly 1 acre
of the Site to remain undeveloped. No clearing, access, temporary storage of materials, or
other activities will occur beyond this limit. Additionally, a post and rail fence will be installed
along the limit of this forested edge, as required by the Determination Letter issued under
NHESP 18-37670 on 4/19/2018. An amendment request to the Determination Letter was
submitted on May 7, 2026 to include the addition of the accessory dwelling and expansion of
area of disturbance on the Site.
The proposed project activities will follow a typical construction timeline.
1. sediment controls will be installed along the limit of work and a temporary
construction entrance and a concrete washout area will be established,
2. site preparation including clearing, grubbing, and debris disposal, followed by site
grading and placement of fill
Notice of Intent
286 South Sea Avenue
West Yarmouth, Massachusetts
3. areas on the site that are not needed for construction work, or access will be
stabilized via hydroseeding or other appropriate measures
4. utilities, septic system, and other underground features will proceed, alongside the
construction of the new dwellings
5. final site stabilization of the remainder of the Site will immediately follow
construction work with loaming and seeding of all disturbed areas.
4.0 COMPLIANCE WITH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS UNDER THE YARMOUTH BYLAW
Below is a discussion of conformance with the applicable performance standards for
projects within LSCSF included in the Yarmouth Wetlands Protection Regulations
(3/24/2026).
Yarmouth Wetland Protection Regulations
4.10 Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage
(3) a. General Performance Standards
ix. Existing septic system and cesspool repairs will be allowed provided they meet
all Title 5 and local Board of Health thresholds.
Not Applicable, septic system is new.
x. All groundwater elevations shall incorporate seasonable adjustments if test holes
and or leaching components are 100 feet or closer from major estuaries.
The Site over 700 feet from major estuaries, Project will comply.
xi. Any proposed deck, shed, or other similar structure must be securely anchored
to a footing or foundation.
Project will comply.
xii. Any activity shall preserve existing soils, vegetation, and other natural conditions
that serve as buffers to coastal flooding and storm surges.
Roughly 1 acre of the 1.6-acre Site will be preserved as wooded or open field area. Project will
comply to the greatest extent possible.
5.0 MITIGATION
Erosion controls (staked straw or biodegradable wattles and/or staked silt fence) will be
installed along the limit of work line. These controls will remain in place and in operational
condition until final site stabilization is complete.
All construction materials will be staged as far from resource areas as possible. Roll off
containers or other appropriate containers will be placed within the cleared portion of the
Site, near the construction access and debris will be removed regularly. A contained
concrete washout area will be established along the construction access and will be kept in
Notice of Intent
286 South Sea Avenue
West Yarmouth, Massachusetts
good order during project activities. Should any concrete escape from the contained
washout area, all materials will be excavated and removed from the Site. Following
construction, all building materials will be removed from the Site. Any disturbed area within
the project Site will be stabilized with grass seed and topped with straw mulch to protect the
soil and seed until the area is sufficiently stabilized.