DEERFIELD — The town has proposed amending the Floodplain District Zoning Bylaw, which has not been updated since 1980, and has scheduled a public hearing to share the suggested changes.
The proposed amendments would update floodplain regulations and clarify the uses permitted, prohibited and requiring a special permit in the floodplain district. The hearing is slated for 7 p.m. at Deerfield Town Hall on June 25.
According to the town’s public hearing notice, it is updating its floodplain zoning regulations as part of implementing the recommendations of Deerfield’s recently adopted Municipal Vulnerability Plan, which lays out a strategy to reduce the town’s vulnerability to increased flooding and severe weather events anticipated with climate change. Deerfield’s floodplain zoning, the notice states, must be brought into compliance with federal flood insurance standards.
The proposed amendments include adding to an explanation of the bylaw’s purpose language about preserving “the natural flood control and flood storage characteristics of the floodplain; and to prevent any alterations to the natural flow of the river.” The proposal also includes adding definitions of encroachment, floodway, floodplain, riverine material and substantial improvement.
Permitted uses — provided they do not require structures, fill or storage of material or equipment — would consist of forestry uses; buildings lawfully existing prior to the adoption of these provisions; wildlife management areas; conservation of water, plants and wildlife, outdoor recreational uses such as fishing and boating; and agricultural uses such as farming, grazing and horticulture.
The language pertaining to prohibited uses bars discharge of pollutants directly into any body of water, as well as the dumping of trash, garbage and other materials on or near the riverbank; the parking or storage of vehicles, trailers or equipment within 200 feet of the riverbank; commercial or industrial uses; impoundments, dams or other water obstructions; or the altering, dumping, filling or removal of riverine materials.
If the proposed amendments are adopted, a special permit would be required to create, substantially improve or move a building in the floodplain district.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.