Zoning Board of Appeals - 434 (07/12/2023)

4 Ridgewood Avenue Waterford, CT 06385

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Property Of 
Maryse Callard, Trustee 
4 Ridgewood Avenue 
Waterford, CT 06385 
 
 
 
 
James Bernardo Land Surveying, LLC 
James Bernardo, LS 
102A Spithead Road 
Waterford, CT 06385 
860-447-0236 
jim@jbsurvey.com 

Supplement To 
Coastal Area Management (CAM) Application 
Property of:  Maryse Callard, Trustee 
4 Ridgewood Avenue 
Waterford, CT 06385 
 
General Statement of Activity 
This application is for the construction of a wood-frame, single-family residential house on the existing 
un-developed property at 4 Ridgewood Avenue in the Ridgewwod Park section of Waterford, CT. 
The property is located adjacent to the Town of Waterford sewer pump station. A residential home is 
located adjacent to the site to the West. 
The property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) VE (BFE=13) and AE (BFE=10) as shown on 
the FIRM  09011C0511j map revised: August 5, 2013. The new residence is located in the AE (BFE=10) 
SFHA. The finished floor of the house is 12.0 (NAVD88). 
 
3b. Consistency with Coastal Resources and policies  
General Coastal Resources 
Means the coastal waters of the state, their natural resources, related marine and wildlife 
habitat and adjacent shorelands, both developed and undeveloped, that together form an 
integrated terrestrial and estuarine ecosystem. 
Coastal resources on and adjacent to this site include coastal waters which include the adjacent Alewife 
Cove (Long Island Sound). The existing lot is zoned for residential development. The foundation for the 
new house will be built in accordance with the VE flood zone requirements. The area under the building 
will be used for storage only. 
Coastal Hazard Areas 
Coastal hazard areas are statutorily defined as those land areas inundated during coastal storm 
events or subject to erosion induced by such events, including flood hazard areas as defined and 
determined by the National Flood Insurance Act and all erosion hazard areas as determined by 
the Commissioner [Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) section 22a-93(7)(H)].  In general, coastal 
flood hazard areas include all areas designated as within A-zone and V-zones by the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  A-zones are subject to still-water flooding during so 
called “100-year” flood events. During 100-year flood events, V-zones are subject to direct action 
by waves three feet or more in height 
As previously stated, the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) VE (BFE=13) and AE (BFE=10) 
as shown on the FIRM  09011C0511j map revised: August 5, 2013. The new residence is located in the 
AE (BFE=10) SFHA. Special Flood Hazard Areas are a subject to the 1% annual chance flood (100-year 
flood). It is the flood that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. VE zones are 
coastal flood zones with velocity hazard. No development is proposed within the VE zone. 
The building and all habitable spaces will be elevated to 12. The finish grade under the building will be 
graded to approximately elevation 6. No dry access will be available during storm events.  All utilities 
must be located above the BFE. 

Coastal Waters and Estuarine Embayments 
Coastal waters are those waters of Long Island Sound and its harbors, embayments, tidal rivers, 
streams and creeks, which contain a salinity concentration of at least five hundred parts per 
million under the low flow stream conditions as established by the commissioner [Connecticut 
General Statutes (CGS) section 22a-93(5)].  
Coastal waters can be separated into “nearshore waters,” “offshore waters” and “estuarine 
embayments.” 
Alewife Cove satisfies the definition of an Estuarine Embaymens. Of primary concern is the degradation 
of water quality through the introduction suspended solids and nutrients into the Cove. This property is 
served by municipal sanitary sewer and water. No significant changes in drainage flow paths are 
anticipated. Stormwater BMP’s, primarily the installation of sediment fence, has been incorporated into 
the site design. The excavation and site disturbance associated with the foundation constructed will be 
limited to the minimal amount necessary. 
Tidal Wetlands 
Tidal wetlands are those areas which border on or lie beneath tidal waters, such as, but not 
limited to banks, bogs, salt marshes, swamps, meadows, flats, or other low lands subject to tidal 
action, including those areas now or formerly connected to tidal waters, and whose surface is at 
or below an elevation of one foot above local extreme high water; and upon which may grow or 
be capable of growing some, but not necessarily all, of [a list of specific plant species - see 
Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) section 22a-29(2) for complete list of species][CGS section 
22a-29, as referenced by CGS section 22a-93(7)(E)].  In general, tidal wetlands form in “low 
energy” environments protected from direct wave action.   They are flooded by tidal waters 
twice a day and support a diverse ecosystem of vegetation and wildlife. 
Tidal Wetlands are located along the westerly portion of the property adjacent to Alewife Cove. The 
wetlands have been delineated in the field by Joseph Theroux Certified Soil Scientist. Spartina has been 
identified between the Tidal Wetlands fringe and the mean high water. No activity is proposed within 
the tidal wetlands.  
4b. Consistency with Coastal Resources and policies  
The Coastal Area Management Regulations permit for the reasonable uses of coastal properties 
consistent with Coastal Resources and Policies.  Adverse impacts to Coastal Resources must be mitigated 
to the extent possible.  All disturbed areas will be stabilized and seed upon completion of construction. 
Th area under the house will be graded and covered with 1” crushed stone to minimize runoff from the 
site.  
The location of the house, on privately owned land, will not impact water access. Ample water access is 
available across the adjacent property owned by the Town of Waterford, Parks & Recreation 
Department.  
The Coastal Area Management Regulations emphasize the importance of  locating water-dependent 
uses at waterfront sites. However, the property is located in the VR-7.5 zone. The current Town of 
Waterford Zoning Regulations allow very limited commercial water dependent uses in this zone. In 
addition, shallow water depths in Alewife Cove restrict access to adequate channel and open water 
depths.  

 
79 Elm Street • Hartford, CT 06106-5127  
 
  www.ct.gov/deep 
         Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer 
 
September 6, 2022 
 
James Bernardo 
James Bernardo Land Surveying LLC  
102A Spithead Road 
Waterford, CT 06385-1919  
jim@jbsurvey.com 
 
Project:  Construction of single family residence on vacant lot; 4 Ridgewood Avenue, Waterford, CT  
NDDB Determination No.: 202208574 
 
Dear James Bernardo,  
 
I have reviewed Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) maps and files regarding the area of work provided for 
the proposed construction of a single family residence on a vacant lot, 4 Ridgewood Ave., Waterford, 
Connecticut.   I do not anticipate negative impacts to State-listed species (RCSA Sec. 26-306) resulting from 
your proposed activity at the site based upon the information contained within the NDDB.  The result of this 
review does not preclude the possibility that listed species may be encountered on site and that additional 
action may be necessary to remain in compliance with certain state permits. Contact NDDB to report the 
presence of any listed species and for more detailed guidance. This determination is good for two years.  
Please re-submit a new NDDB Request for Review if the scope of work changes or if work has not begun on 
this project by September 6, 2024.   
 
Natural Diversity Data Base information includes all information regarding critical biological resources 
available to us at the time of the request.  This information is a compilation of data collected over the years by 
the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Natural History Survey, cooperating units of 
DEEP, landowners, private conservation groups and the scientific community.  This information is not 
necessarily the result of comprehensive or site-specific field investigations.  Consultations with the NDDB 
should not be substitutes for on-site surveys necessary for a thorough environmental impact assessment.  
Current research projects and new contributors continue to identify additional populations of species and 
locations of habitats of concern, as well as, enhance existing data.  Such new information is incorporated into 
the database as it becomes available.  
 
Please contact me if you have further questions at (860) 424-3378, or karen.zyko@ct.gov .  Thank you for 
consulting the Natural Diversity Database.  
  
Sincerely, 
 
 
 
 
Karen Zyko 
Environmental Analyst