Basements

Basements and/or the bottom of any structure's slab, not including pilings/footings for any proposed new construction, or 50 percent or greater reconstruction or renovation of a structure, shall be located 12 inches above the seasonal high groundwater table. For every application which involves a basement and/or any structure's slab, not including pilings/footings, determination of groundwater elevation shall be presented to the zoning enforcement officer to ensure compliance with this requirement.

• • A. Variance for prohibited use: Any proposal where a basement and/or the bottom of any structure's slab, not including pilings/footings is located less than 12 inches above the seasonal high groundwater table, is prohibited and such proposal shall be reviewed under the standards required to obtain a use variance pursuant to article 3 hereof. In addition to the standards contained in article 3, all applicants shall demonstrate evidence to the zoning enforcement officer of the high groundwater table elevation, which shall include all of the results of examination or testing conducted on the lot. This evidence shall be accompanied by a written representation by the owner/applicant or project representative that no additional results are being withheld. All applicants shall demonstrate that the proposal meets, to the greatest extent possible, performance standards contained in [section] 82-800 subsections I and J, 2 and 4 hereof.

  • B. Groundwater table verification: In determining the groundwater elevation, one field verified soil evaluation within the basement and/or any structure's slab area subgrade (below ground level), or within five feet of the area proposed for building, is required by a RIDEM Class IV soil evaluator. Where a property owner or the town can produce records of a previous determination made by the town, that determination may be used provided there is a record of the field observations used to make that determination.

(Ord. of 2-3-2025(1), § 1(Exh. A))