Every day we talk with people about improving their Cape Cod home, or building on a vacant parcel of land. Generally these conversations are very productive, and we are asked to build a new home, or renovate or expand an existing home.

Sometimes people are very surprised to learn that the land they have owned for years, or just purchased, is considered “Environmentally Sensitive” by the Board of Health in their town. This discovery can be unwelcome news. Land which is located in an “Environmentally Sensitive Area” (ESA) generally requires a Variance from the Board of Health before an addition or change in floor plan is allowed.

And an ESA is not just waterfront property:
• Land with a high water table
• Land with existing or known future water supplies
• Land with terrestrial and/or aquatic plant/animal habitats
• Land with endangered species habitats
• Land within a DCPC (District of Critical Planning Concern)

Here's a 4-page Homeowners Guide and Notice from the Dennis Board of Health. It's very interesting reading for anybody considering renovating a property, or building a new home on Cape Cod.

Is your Cape Cod land considered Environmentally Sensitive?

 Is your Cape Cod land considered Environmentally Sensitive?