A Panelized Home: Securing Permits

Ned and Anne were confident that they had gathered the required information. As the general contractors, the Hammonds had worked with reputable architects, engineers, and contractors for months. They had co-developed a plan that was fitting with both the topography and neighboring homes. They'd studied the state and local zoning bylaws. Now all that was needed was to gain the blessing of the building inspector—and five or six committees. This is when the challenges presented themselves. Whenever alterations are proposed within a coastal area or wetland, several boards including the Marblehead Conservation Commission, have to approve them. Due to the Hammonds' love and concern for the ocean, they, too, wanted to be assured that none of their site preparations would harm the coast. In order to ensure this, they obtained the services of a coastal geologist from Boston's Northeastern University. The academic studied the site and confirmed the Hammonds' finding—nothing they were proposing would effect the coastal resource area in an adverse manner.         The seaside location of the Hammonds' home was worth the time and trouble securing the proper permits required.       Local Approval After many meetings and on-site visits, the Conservation Commission gave their approval with "standard conditions." These conditions included barriers for sediment control and required that no building materials could be stored in the "buffer zone" during any phase of construction. It took in excess of six months to complete the paperwork process. During this period attorneys, town appointed coastal engineers, more attorneys and various boards continued to decide and decipher their proper jurisdiction and responsibilities. Any coastal project requires initial filing with the Department of Environmental Protection Agency. These additional filings and/or Notices of Intent require lots of paperwork such as: deeds of said property, engineered plans of the proposed project, and surveys of the property including topography and illustrated maps of the FEMA line (an arbitrarily designated boundary which serves as a one-hundred year flood line). The Hammonds were required to provide letters of approval from the local police and fire departments in order to insure road access and fire truck turnaround capability. In addition, a proposed re-vegetation plan was requested, prepared and filed. This plan included the location and varieties of the plantings. Lessons Learned Though the Hammonds' project was complicated by its coastal location, their hurdles are a typical example of the trials prospective homeowners often endure prior to building in environmentally or historically sensitive locations. The key is to remember that the majority of people assigned to committees and boards are doing so because they care about their community. Though many of these proceedings can create frustration, it is important to keep the end goal of building a wonderful home in mind.

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