GOALS AND POLICIES
2.2.1 Goal: To protect the public interests in the coast and rights for fishing, fowling, shellfishing and navigation, to preserve and manage coastal areas so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic, historic, maritime and aesthetic values, and to preserve, enhance and where appropriate expand public access to the shoreline.
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
2.2.1.1. Development and redevelopment along the coastline shall not interfere with existing public access and traditional public rights of way to and environmentally appropriate use of, the shoreline.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The town is very aggressive in protecting public access points to the water. Over the past decade many land acquisitions, such as Sea View Park and Bass River Park have included acquiring parcels which traditionally had provided private access points to the water in order to protect and enhance accessibility tot he water.
2.2.1.2. Public access shall be provided at publicly funded beach nourishment sites where such access will not impair natural habitat.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Publicly funded beach nourishment projects have only occurred at town owned beaches.
OTHER DEVELOPMENT REVIEW POLICIES
2.2.1.3 Development and redevelopment shall reflect the traditional maritime character and/or architecture typical of the area and shall be designed to maintain and enhance views of the shoreline from public ways, waterways, access points and existing development
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has two historic districts which govern much of the Town. In addition, the town has adopted design standards for redevelopment in Dennisport and West Dennis Village Centers and the Hotel Resort District located along the southern waterfront. Finally, in preserving the traditional character of the shoreline the town adopted the Seasonal Resort Community zoning providing long term protection to the waterfront cottage-colonies.
2.2.1.4 The construction of walkways, where environmentally acceptable, shall be encouraged to enhance shoreline access for the public, including people with disabilities.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The town has constructed several walkways providing access to improve shoreline access. Among these are boardwalks providing access at various town beaches, sidewalks to West Dennis Beach, walkway and paths along an inland waterway and beach front at Seaveiw Park and an elevated walkway and walking paths at Bass River Park.
2.2.1.5 If an existing water dependent facility is within 250 feet of the mean high water line or shoreward of the first public way, whichever is less, such use shall not be changed to a non-water dependent facility unless an overriding public benefit is provided to accommodate for the loss of the water dependent use.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The town has several accomplishments in this area, both regulatory and through acquisition. On a regulatory basis, the town adopted a Mixed Use Marine District as part of the West Dennis Village Center Zoning. This district changed zoning of the Bass River Marina and surrounding lands, which were zoned single family residential, to one that allows Marinas. This zoning change marked the first time in several decades that this marina was located in a zoning district which allowed the use to exist. In addition, the town acquired waterfront properties in the Bass River Park and Sea View Park acquisitions, both preserving public access.
2.2.1.6 Development or redevelopment of water dependent facilities shall provide coastal access benefits to the general public. Such Access shall minimize interference with the water dependent use.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The biggest threat to “public coastal access” has been the conversion of transient hotel building’s to non-transient time-share properties. In 2010 Dennis adopted the Hotel Resort Zoning By-law, this by-law provides the opportunity to reinvest in waterfront hotel properties, with the catch that the redevelopment must ensure that 50% of the rooms remain permanently as transient hotel facilities.
2.2.1.7 Coastal engineering structures shall be designed so as to allow the public to pass along the shore (either above or below the structure) in the exercise of its public trust rights to fishing, fowling and navigation.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Conservation Commission reviews permit applications for coastal engineering structures and insures these structures are designed to maintain public access along the shore. The town also maintains its coastal structures in conformance with the rights of the general public to fish, fowl and navigate.
2.2.2 Goal: To limit development in areas subject to coastal storm flowage, particularly high hazard areas, in order to minimize the loss of life and structures and the environmental damage resulting from storms, flooding, erosion and relative sea level rise
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
2.2.2.1 Except as specified in Section 2.2.2.5, no development or redevelopment shall be permitted within FEMA V-flood zones. Existing structures may be reconstructed or renovated provided there is no increase in floor area or intensity of use. As an exception, where there is no feasible alternative, water-dependent structures and uses may be permitted subject to the approval of all permitting authorities.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has adopted floodplain zoning and requires all reinvestment in a structure that exceeds 50% of value to be constructed to FEMA and Massachusetts Building Code standards.
2.2.2.2 In order to accommodate possible relative sea level rise and possible increased storm intensity, ensure human health and safety, and protect the integrity of coastal landforms and natural resources, all new buildings, including replacements, or substantial improvements to existing structures within FEMA A-zones shall be designed to accommodate the documented relative sea level rise rate in Massachusetts of at least one foot per 100 years, except as provided in Section 2.2.2.11, and in V-zones shall be designed to accommodate a relative sea level rise rate of two feet per 100 years
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has adopted floodplain zoning and requires all reinvestment in a structure that exceeds 50% of value to be constructed to FEMA and Massachusetts Building Code standards.
2.2.2.3 Except as specified in Section 2.2.2.5, no new development or redevelopment shall be permitted on barrier beaches and/or coastal dunes as defined by the Wetlands Protection Act and associated regulations and policies. Existing structures may be reconstructed or renovated, provided there is no increase in floor area or intensity of use, or conversion from seasonal to year round use.
A. If the reconstruction/renovation is greater than 50% of the replacement value of a structure, and is located in the A-zone, the lowest floor shall be elevated at least one foot above the 100 year flood elevation, except as provided in Section 2.2.2.11. If the reconstruction/renovation is greater than 50% of the replacement value of a structure, and is located in the V-zone, the lowest floor shall be elevated at least two-feet above the 100 year flood elevation, except as provided in Section 2.2.2.11. On a barrier beach or coastal dune and in either the V or A-zone, the structure shall be on open pilings, to allow for storm flowage and beach and dune migration.
B. If the structure is on a barrier beach or dune and is outside the 100 year coastal floodplain, and is proposed to be reconstructed/renovated greater than 50% of its replacement value before reconstruction, it shall be elevated at least two feet above grade on open pilings to allow dune migration.
Water-dependent public recreational facilities in these locations may be developed providing that it can be demonstrated that the proposed development will not compromise the integrity of coastal resources, and is appropriately elevated on pilings or floodproofed.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has adopted floodplain zoning and requires all reinvestment in a structure that exceeds 50% of value to be constructed to FEMA and Massachusetts Building Code standards. These standards meet the requirements of this recommendations as to clearance of lowest building components. In addition, the Dennis Conservation Commission has adopted stringent standards for construction and reconstruction in Coastal Dunes.
2.2.2.4 Development and redevelopment on or within 100 feet landward of a coastal bank or dune shall be designed to have no adverse effect on the height, stability, or the use of the bank or dune as a natural sediment source. In areas where banks or dunes are eroding, the setback for all new buildings and septic systems to the top of the coastal bank or dune crest shall be at least 30 times the average annual erosion rate of the bank or dune. This rate shall be determined by averaging the erosion over the previous 30-year period at a minimum. In instances where shoreline erosion rates are indicative of bank/dune erosion rates, MCZM shoreline change maps may be used in determining the setback
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Conservation Commission has adopted very stringent standards for construction and reconstruction in Coastal Dunes. In addition, Coastal Banks are protect both under Dennis Wetland Regulations and the Dennis Zoning By-law, both of which require setbacks from the top of Coastal Banks for new construction.
2.2.2.5 Where fire, storm, or similar disaster has caused damage to or loss of buildings in FEMA A- and V-zones, on barrier beaches, coastal banks or coastal dunes of greater than 50 percent of their market value, all reconstruction shall be in compliance with current applicable regulations and shall be designed in accordance with Sections. 2.1.1.4, 2.2.2.2, 2.2.2.4, 2.2.3.1, and 2.2.3.2. Any reconstruction shall not enlarge or expand the use of an existing structure.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has adopted floodplain zoning and requires all reinvestment in a structure that exceeds 50% of value to be constructed to FEMA and Massachusetts Building Code standards. These standards meet the requirements of this recommendations as to clearance of lowest building components. In addition, the Dennis Conservation Commission has adopted stringent standards for construction and reconstruction in Coastal Dunes.
2.2.2.6 Except as provided in Section 2.2.2.11, no new public infrastructure or expansion of existing infrastructure shall be made in flood hazard zones (FEMA A- and V-zones) unless it is shown that there is an overriding public benefit provided, and provided that such infrastructure will not promote new growth and development in flood hazard areas.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Most of the south side of Dennis is located within a FEMA A or V zone including large sections of Route 28. This standard is unrealistic in many ways. However, most infrastructure investments within these areas have focused on maintenance.
2.2.2.7 Where land subject to coastal storm flowage is significant to the interests of flood control and storm damage prevention, no activity shall increase the elevation or velocity of flood waters or increase flows due to a change in drainage or flowage characteristics on the subject site, adjacent properties, or any public or private way.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2.2.2.8 Within the 10-year floodplain, no activity shall impede the landward migration of other resource areas within this area of the floodplain. Relative sea level rise and the landward migration of resource areas in response to relative sea level rise shall be incorporated into the design, construction, and location of structures and other activities proposed.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2.2.2.9 New structures, additions to existing structures, solid foundations, new or proposed expansions of roads, driveways or parking lots, or impermeable paving of existing ways, new or proposed expansions of coastal engineering structures, and new septic systems shall be prohibited within the V-zone of a beach, dune, barrier beach, or coastal bank where they will result in alterations to vegetative cover, interruptions in the supply of sediment to other wetland resources, and/or changes to the form or volume of a dune or beach.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Conservation Commission has adopted very stringent standards for construction and reconstruction in V zones and Coastal Dunes.
2.2.2.10 Notwithstanding Sections 2.2.2.6, 2.2.2.7, 2.2.2.8 and 2.2.2.9, the following activities may be permitted provided the applicant demonstrates that best available measures are utilized to minimize adverse impacts on all critical characteristics of land subject to coastal storm flowage, and provided that all other performance standards for underlying resource areas are met: beach, dune, and bank nourishment and restoration projects, including fencing and other devices to increase dune development and plantings compatible with natural vegetative cover; elevated pedestrian walkways and elevated decks with appropriate height and spacing between planks to allow sufficient sunlight penetration; boat launching facilities, navigational aids, piers, docks, wharves and moorings; improvements necessary to maintain the structural integrity/stability of existing coastal engineering structures; projects that will restore, rehabilitate or create a saltmarsh or freshwater wetlands; projects that are approved, in writing, or conducted by the Division of Marine Fisheries that are specifically intended to increase the productivity of land containing shellfish, including aquaculture, or to maintain or enhance marine fisheries, and projects that are approved, in writing, or conducted by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife that are specifically intended to enhance or increase wildlife habitat.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Conservation Commission, Waterways, Beaches, Natural Resources and Engineering Departments have undertaken many barrier beach and dune management projects. These include beach-nourishment projects using dredge material from adjacent rivers and streams; reconstruction of dunes; and use of various materials to trap sand migration.
2.2.2.11 In order to allow alternative means of reducing flood hazard risks in areas where there are serious concerns about protecting the character of historic villages, the following shall apply in certified Village Growth/Activity centers located in FEMA A-zones for which a flood Hazard Mitigation Plan has been prepared and adopted by the town and has been found by the Cape Cod Commission to be consistent with state coastal policies and regulations. Notwithstanding Sections 2.1.2.5, 2.2.2.2, 2.2.2.3A and 2.2.2.6, the following standards shall apply to such certified Village Growth/Activity centers located within FEMA A-zones:
a. Development and redevelopment shall be subject to the requirements of the adopted Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan and any related policies and regulations.
b. Public infrastructure and private sewage treatment facilities (PSTFs) may be constructed in FEMA A-zones (but not within a V- or an AO-zone) provided that these facilities are consistent with the Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan and the certified Local Comprehensive Plan; further provided that the infrastructure is itself flood-resistent; and provided that such infrastructure will not promote new growth and development outside such certified Growth/Activity center.
c. All new buildings or substantial improvements to existing structures in the FEMA A-zone shall comply with FEMA and State Building Code regulations for elevation and flood-proofing
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has adopted a Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and has also developed a Land Use Vision Map in conjunction with the Cape Cod Commission. This plan and map provide the town with the opportunity to take advantage of the relief from regional requirements provided for in this portion of the plan.
OTHER DEVELOPMENT REVIEW POLICIES
2.2.2.12 Vehicle, boat, and pedestrian traffic in critical wildlife and plant habitat areas as identified in Section 2.4.1.1(A), wetlands, dunes, shallow estuarine areas and shorebird breeding habitat areas shall be minimized
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Conservation Commission has adopted very stringent standards to protect these areas.
2.2.2.13 Wherever feasible, dredge material shall be used for beach nourishment in areas subject to erosion. Such material shall be clean and compatible with existing strata
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dredge material in Dennis is used for beach-nourishment and the creation/restoration of dunes. Particular focus has been on the town’s barrier beaches.
2.2.3 Goal: To maintain and improve coastal water quality to allow shellfishing and/or swimming in all coastal waters as appropriate, and to protect coastal ecosystems which support shellfish and finfish habitat.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has taken great strides to improve coastal water quality. The town has had an active program to assist with septic upgrades in the Swan Pond and Swan River watershed to reduce waste entering these bodies. The town has also undertaken dredging at the mouth of the Swan River to further improve tidal flushing. On the north side the town undertook a major improvement to the Bridge Street culvert to provide added tidal flushing in Sesuit Creek. Other projects in the past decade have included improvements to tidal flushing in Quivett Creek.
MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
2.2.3.1 Within FEMA V-zones, new mounded septic systems shall be prohibited except to upgrade existing substandard septic systems where such systems pose a demonstrated threat to public health, water quality or natural resources. Unless otherwise demonstrated, if feasible, solid components of the septic system shall be elevated above the 100-year food level.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has designated FEMA flood zones as environmentally sensitive areas by the Board of Health. In these areas higher waste water treatment standards are required.
2.2.3.2 No new direct, untreated stormwater discharges shall be permitted into any coastal waters or wetlands, including discharges above or below the mean high water level.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has an EPA Phase II Stormwater Plan in place. The plan, among other things prohibits direct discharges into wetlands or other waters. The Dennis Department of Public Works has been very active in removing or mitigating ll direct discharges into wetlands and waterways.
2.2.3.3 The design and construction of stormwater management systems proposed in V-zones shall incorporate the historic rate of relative sea level rise in Massachusetts of two feet per 100 years. For systems proposed in A-zone, the historic rate of relative sea level rise in Massachusetts of one foot per 100 years shall be incorporated into the project design and construction.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2.2.3.4 In order to avoid loss of shellfish habitat and minimize impacts on wetlands, construction of community docks and piers, rather than separate structures serving individual lots, shall be required wherever possible. In significant shellfish habitat areas, as identified and documented by the Division of Marine Fisheries and/or local shellfish officials, the construction or expansion of docks and piers shall not be permitted. Docks and piers more than 50% damaged or destroyed by storms may be replaced in accordance with federal, state and local regulations, except in areas identified and documented as significant shellfish habitat.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Conservation Commission requires all proposed boardwalks, ramps, docks, piers and floats to be reviewed by the Shellfish Constable to determine potential impacts to shellfish habitat. Under Chapter 23 of the Acts of 2010 the Town of Dennis collects monies as mitigation payments for projects which impact shellfish habitats. These monies are used exclusively for shellfish resource enhancements, shellfish habitat and capital improvements.
2.2.3.5 New marinas of 10 or more slips, moorings, or active landward storage berths, and expansions of existing marinas by 10 or more slips, moorings or berths shall provide or contribute to the provision of adequate boat sewage pump-out facilities in each harbor and shall provide restrooms for their patrons. Such marinas shall also provide or contribute to provision of adequate collection facilities for solid waste and waste oil for their patrons.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has been actively involved in designating no-discharge zones. In addition, Dennis has pump-out facilities in Sesuit Harbor and the private Bass River Marina has a pump out facility.
2.2.3.6 New dredging projects or expansion of existing dredging projects shall not occur unless a substantial public benefit can be demonstrated including but not limited to enhancement of fish or shellfish habitat, improvements to the flushing capacity of nitrogen sensitive embayments, or necessary improvements to navigational safety.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has an active dredging program designed to meet beach-nourishment, tidal flushing and dune restoration needs in the town. All of these provide substantial public benefit.
2.2.3.7 Undisturbed buffer areas of at least 100’ width surrounding coastal wetlands and/or landward of the mean high water mark of coastal waterbodies shall be protected as specified in Section 2.3.1.2.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Conservation Commission has jurisdiction over these areas and has significant restrictions on disturbances.
OTHER DEVELOPMENT REVIEW POLICIES
2.2.3.8 Where appropriate, waterfront fueling facilities should be upgraded to ensure that best management practices are used to avoid adverse impacts to water quality.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
IMPLEMENTATION
1. In order to ensure that adequate controls are in place for future disasters, Dennis shall work with the MCZM Program to distribute guidelines for pre-storm mitigation and post-storm construction activities, and update these guidelines as necessary.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has completed its Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and has had it approved by FEMA. The town is actively implementing the strategies found in this plan.
2. Dennis will continue to work with other organizations to encourage cooperative research efforts on the impacts of recreational boating, and the boating activity associated with docks and piers, on coastal ponds and bays and shellfish habitat.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
3. Dennis will work with Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management (MCZM) to develop aggressive education campaigns concerning coastal hazards, sea level rise and construction practices.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis actively participates in education campaigns regarding coastal hazards and sea level rise. Town staff has testified before a state legislative body in the past decade regarding the risks to the town due to sea level rise. Town staff has also spoken at a national conference held in Boston regarding the impacts of sea level rise on the town.
4. Fish spawning and nursery areas, submerged aquatic vegetation and shellfish habitat shall be mapped by Dennis and included in the Geographic Information System (GIS). Dennis shall work with the Division of Marine Fisheries and regional agencies to develop this information for Dennis waters.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis employs a full-time GIS coordinator who coordinates town activities with numerous state and regional entities.
5. Dennis shall work with federal, state and other authorities to ensure the protection of offshore fishing grounds from adverse impacts from oil drilling and spillage; mining; septage, sewage and hazardous waste; dumping dredge spoil disposal and other offshore development.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis cooperates with the Cape Cod Commission on the protection of off-shore areas.
6. Dennis shall designate “working waterfront” overlay zones along their shoreline to ensure the preservation and expansion of traditional maritime uses. Within these zones, boatyard preservation programs shall be implemented. All new buildings or accessory uses constructed within this zone shall directly benefit maritime-related uses.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In 2007 Dennis adopted a new Mixed Use Marine zoning district which, for the first time ever, placed Bass River Marina into a zone allowing such uses. Non-water-dependent uses were prohibited in this district. Discussions have taken place regarding similar zoning for Sesuit Harbor and the Mayfair Boatyard.
7. Dennis shall research and document public access areas to and along the shorelines, and were possible, reestablish and/or designate traditional rights-of-way to the shore through appropriate legal means.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has researched and documented all public-access areas to the shorelines. A report is being prepared (2012) with recommendations on how these areas should be managed.
8. Dennis shall identify sensitive coastal areas where public access and development shall be restricted in order to maintain the integrity of coastal features, and shall take measures to protect these areas.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: As part of the Quivett Neck/Crowe’s Pasture DCPC process sensitive coastal areas were identified and steps were taken to protect these areas from development.
9. Dennis shall develop harbor management plans in accordance with state guidelines and implement watersheet zoning to protect coastal resources and prevent use conflicts on the water.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress.
10. Dennis shall identify and designate areas (i.e. estuary’s and waterways) as federal “No Discharge Zones” for boats in conjunction with state and federal guidelines.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has coordinated with regional and state entities on the creation of No Discharge Zones in coastal waters.
11. Dennis shall strengthen local bylaws and regulations beyond minimum state and federal standards to reduce the potential impacts to health and safety and the economy resulting from coastal storms.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has taken many steps to protect health and safety from the impacts of coastal storms. These include beach-nourishment projects, dune reconstruction and reinforcement. The town also encourages homeowners to raise the height of homes to meet federal flood zone construction standards.
12. Dennis shall develop a list of projects that provide or enhance coastal access and use of the shoreline to be used in conditioning local Chapter 91 licenses, including maintenance and upgrading of town landings to enable legal public access to coastal waters.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has established a team which is currently reviewing the condition of town landings. Dennis also maintains a Beach Management Advisory Task Force which is currently reviewing all public beaches to determine maintenance and upgrade needs.
13. Dennis shall continue to evaluate long term dredging and dredge disposal needs and alternatives.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has a long-term dredging program for most coastal rivers and streams. The dredging plan includes reuse of the dredge spoils for beach-nourishment and dune reconstruction.
14. In planning efforts, including the development of local comprehensive, harbor, and resource management plans, Dennis shall evaluate areas appropriate for aquaculture. This evaluation shall consider other uses, including mooring areas, recreational boating, existing and historic natural resource habitats, as well as tidelands ownership issues, in order to minimize conflicts with other users of coastal land marine waters.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has an active aquaculture program with significant grants located off of Crowe’s Pasture. Sesuit Harbor has been used occasionally as well for wintering over certain species of shellfish. The Town has begun investigating the establishment of additional aquaculture grants managed by the Town.
15. Dennis shall encourage “soft” solutions to coastal erosion (e.g. beach nourishment, planting of beach grass and related activities) as an alternative to “hard” coastal engineering structures and amend local bylaws and regulations to address this issue.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis actively pursues beach-nourishment, dune reconstruction and has, in the past, had programs to replant beach grass. In the past decade very few new hard coastal engineering structures have been constructed.
16. Dennis shall prioritize road run off problems with Mass. Highway and these problems should be address by Mass Highway.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has an EPA Phase II storm water plan and is actively implementing this plan with both state and local transportation funding.
17. Dennis shall recommend enactment of a regulation from BMP for manure, which would include requirements for prior storage, buffer zones, fencing and composting management.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Board of Health maintains animal husbandry regulations which include standards for the handling and storage of manure.
18. Dennis shall enact a “Pooper Scooper” by-law.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has a “pooper scooper” by-law. The town also has a program to provide poop bags along various town trails to encourage the owners of dogs to scoop their dogs waste.
19. Dennis shall continue with the pollution mitigation program for Swan River.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has continued to focus on improving water quality in the Swan River. This focus has led to improved water quality and relaxation of restrictions on shellfishing in the river.
20. Dennis shall reclaim Bound Brook herring run.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Natural Resources Department, with the assistance of Ameri-Corps volunteers and the Cape Cod Salties has made a number of improvements to the Bound Brook herring run.
21. Dennis shall start an ell grass planting program and encourage Yarmouth to join in the efforts within Bass River.
22. Dennis shall review the local wetlands by-laws, concentrating on wildlife and habitat, marine habitat, and nitrogen loading.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis has undertaken a complete revision of its local wetlands by-law in the past decade.
23. The town shall identify special management areas – such as the Quivet Creek/Crowe’s Pasture District of Critical Planning Concern nomination that are in need of higher levels of protection and develop resource management and protection plans for these areas.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dennis completed the Quivet Neck/Crowe’s Pasture DCPC and has created higher levels of protection in this area. In other parts of town, significant review of local zoning has occurred and new zoning put into place to govern these areas.
24. The town shall conduct an in-depth survey of coastal features such as armored or artificially maintained shorelines and eel grass areas, areas of concern due to the presence of exotic and/or invasive species, or other information
25. The town will map coastal features to the best of its abilities, in order to track changes in coastal features over time.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: As part of the Quivet Neck/Crowe’s Pasture and the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan efforts Dennis has made significant use of the coastal erosion maps developed by MassGIS and the MCZM office. This data has been used to support zoning changes and beach-nourishment projects.
26 The town of Dennis will develop baseline information on an as needed basis as it studies its embayments, estuaries and other water resource areas.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: As part of the Comprehensive Waste Water Management Plan and Dennis Ponds study, Dennis been collecting data for the establishment of baselines for these areas.
27. Dennis shall review the navigable waters under its jurisdiction and develop a routine maintenance plan for dredging at sites where maintenance of municipal facilities or marine infrastructure is necessary and where additional improvements are warranted and coastal areas that require beach re-nourishment to protect habitat or public or private property.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Harbormaster’s Office has a routine maintenance plan for dredging and the town has created a fund to ensure the continuance of this program. Dredge spoils are routinely used for beach-nourishment.
28. Dennis shall review the local wetlands and zoning by-laws, concentrating on criteria for locating docks and piers.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Dennis Conservation Commission Rules and Regulations include specific criteria for dock and pier construction.
