Norwich commission issues jurisdictional ruling for two‑lot subdivision on Old Canterbury Turnpike

The Norwich Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission unanimously approved a jurisdictional ruling for a proposed two‑lot subdivision on Old Canterbury Turnpike after hearing from the applicant’s agent that all planned work would take place outside regulated wetland areas.

Dave McKay, agent with Boundaries LLC, told the commission he represented property owner Garrett Joey and described the parcel as “a proposed 2 lot subdivision” on a 7.5‑acre lot in an R40 zone with an intermittent watercourse and associated wetlands at the rear of the property. McKay said the development activity would consist of a driveway to access the rear lot, a house site and a septic system whose grading limit would be about 50 feet from the wetland limits. “We’re requesting a jurisdictional ruling from the commission to be forwarded to the commission on the city plan,” McKay said.

The commission’s staff materials showed the 100‑foot upland review area around the mapped wetlands; commission members were told the planned disturbance would be outside that area. The applicant’s plan includes standard erosion controls, sediment fence at the limits of disturbance, and final stabilization with maintained lawn.

Commissioner Dean Nason moved to approve the jurisdictional ruling; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The ruling will be forwarded to the city planning commission as part of the subdivision review.

The ruling does not itself approve construction permits or septic permits; those are separate processes handled by other city departments and permit authorities. The commission record indicates the applicant may proceed with planning steps consistent with the ruling and the erosion‑control measures described.