ZBA Approves Elevated Home in Flood Zone

On May 16, the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals was ready for business. Chairman Susan Akin welcomed the public by introducing the panel for the evening, which included acting clerk Tony Tranfaglia, and ZBA members Ken Pacheco, Colby Rottler, Norman Lyonnaise, as well as secretary Robin Shufelt and Director of Inspectional Services Andy Bobola.

            Whether there is one case or many on any given night, permitting agencies for the Town are expected to take care of the business on behalf of the Town and the applicants. And thus it was as the ZBA prepared to hear the one case that populated the agenda.

            Coming before the ZBA were Tim and Melissa Soule for property located at 9 Centre Drive. Centre Drive is located in an area of land that is wedged between Hiller’s and Aucoot Cove off Aucoot Road. It is identified as an A Zone – a flood zone. It is common to find homes that have been elevated in an effort to meet FEMA flood zone building requirements. Such was the case on this night.

            Represented by engineer Richard Charon, the Soules’ plans call for the demolition of an existing home that was built in 1952 to be replaced by a new home elevated as prescribed by FEMA.

            Charon explained that the new home would not be “stick” construction but instead would be modular units trucked to the site once the concrete foundation had cured. The foundation would be designed with hydrostatic relief joints, one of many FEMA requirements for construction in a flood zone.

            Charon also described how the new home would be similar to the existing structure in terms of the footprint, with lot coverage at 25 percent versus the current 22.4 percent.

            The septic system and public water supply would remain as is, Charon confirmed.

            Bobola made no comment regarding the setbacks, which were deemed acceptable in a legally non-conforming lot. The total height of the elevated two-story home will be slightly under the 35-foot maximum, Charon said.

            Abutters expressed some mild concerns over stormwater management, roof run-off, and the construction schedule. Charon responded to each by saying that the new build would not create additional water, nor would water flow off the site onto adjacent properties. He said, unlike conventional stick construction, which would take months to complete while creating a great deal of noise and disruption in the neighborhood, the modular home would be installed rather quickly, possibly in as little as two weeks.

            Charon also said that the Soules were planning a fall start date, which would help.

            “I think it’s a really good idea … the current house is in danger,” said Rottler.

            The Special Permit was unanimously approved.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for June 6 at 6:30 pm at the Mattapoisett Town House.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell

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