Weston Subdivision Permitting
Land Subdivision & Wetland Permitting
In 2024-2025, WHEM worked for a private client to assist in a property subdivision to create several building lots for his children. The first step was to walk the property with the owner in order to evaluate the landscape and find optimum building sites given the topography, viewsheds, and access. After several iterations, WHEM prepared a subdivision plan for the creation of four lots from the original 26-acre property.
Two of the lots required wastewater and potable water system designs for 4-bedroom homes. WHEM worked with a local excavator for the test pits/percolation testing necessary to confirm suitable soils for onsite wastewater for the new house sites, as well as replacement wastewater space for the owner’s existing home on one of the lots. The fourth lot was deferred with no intention for immediate development. WHEM worked with a surveyor to capture topography on the building sites, tie into existing property corners, and capture the tests pit locations. After preparing designs for mound systems and drilled bedrock wells for both house sites, WHEM was successful in obtaining a State Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply permit.
During the review and subdivision process, WHEM was aware of a mapped Vermont Significant Wetland Inventory (VSWI) Class II wetland that abutted both of the house sites. Because we had questions about the limits of the mapped wetland, a WHEM Wetland Scientist conducted a new delineation that revised the wetland limits and confirmed that both building sites were outside of the 50-ft wetland buffer. But because the proposed driveway access to the house sites extends within the buffer, and through the wetland at two locations, WHEM prepared an application for a Wetland General Permit. This involved meeting with the State wetland biologist, developing a wetland impact plan, and developing a wetland mitigation strategy to allow the impact required for the driveway.
The approved house sites and driveway are now on paper, and the land owner is able to offer family members their own lots and the opportunity to raise their children on this wonderful property.
