2021.06.10 Staff Report.pdf
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1 June 10, 2021
To: Conservation Commission From: Sarah LaValley RE: Staff Report, June 10, 2021 Commission Meeting
Public Hearings: 5:30 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if deck construction
within riverfront (Mill River) is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. John Ruyffelaert, 76 Water St, Leeds, Map ID 10D-35
Application Overview:
The application proposes replacement of a 17’x6 foot enclosed porch with a 20’x10’ open deck. The work
location is approximately 35 feet from the Mill River, and sits on top of a retaining wall with a steep drop
to the river.
Consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, Staff Recommendation:
The work is within 50 feet of the bank, and as such is too close to qualify as a 10.02(2)(b)(1) minor activity
“conversion of lawn to uses accessory to residential structures such as decks” project. Work will extend 4
feet farther into the riverfront, and occupy nearly 100 more square feet, but will also be elevated and
unenclosed. The Commission should discuss details and construction plans with the applicant, including
spacing between boards to allow for light and water flow, the underlying surface, and runoff. If the area
underneath remains pervious, overall disturbance may be less than the current condition. A requirement
to limit the deck to the current size could also be discussed If the Commission agrees that the work will
not have a negative impact on the resource, issue a negative determination by checking box
2 to indicate that the work is within an area subject to protection but will not remove, dredge, fill, or alter. Request for Certificate of Compliance, 98 Baker Hill Rd
As noted in the application materials, the original project was a driveway on Hinckley Street, which
had originally been part of a larger contiguous parcel that included 98 Baker Hill Road. A partial
certificate of compliance, for the 98 Baker Hill Rd parcel only, can be issued.