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Do I Need a Wetlands Permit?

State and local laws require permits for most work within 100' of wetlands and 200' of streams and rivers. The following activities require a permit, but this list is not comprehensive. When in doubt, contact the Conservation Agent.

Activities Requiring a Permit:

  • New construction and additions to existing houses
  • Sheds and accessory structures
  • Driveways
  • Landscaping, grading, clearing of trees and brush, expansion of lawns or garden beds
  • Construction, repair, and replacement of septic systems and wells
  • Pools, patios, retaining walls, docks
  • Construction of dams, installation of culverts in streams, and changing water levels in water bodies
  • Placing fill in or dredging a wetland

Wetland Permit Options:

Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) – This is the simplest application, which requests the Commission to determine if an area, and/or proposed work is subject to the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission under the Wetlands Protection Act or the local bylaw. For minor projects that will either have limited effect on the resource area.

Notice of Intent (NOI) – Request for the Commission to review a proposed activity or project that is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Bylaw. For medium and large projects that will likely have an impact on the resource area.

Extension Permit – Allows for the extension of an Order of Conditions expiration date when a project cannot be completed in the given amount of time. Must be applied for at least 30 days prior to the expiration date.

Amended Order of Conditions (Amended OOC) – Allows for changes to an already approved project. Changes must result in either the same or less of an impact to the resource area(s).

Certificate of Compliance (COC) – Closes out your Order of Conditions and removes the Order from your deed. Must be filed for once the NOI project is complete.

Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) – Requests that the Conservation Commission review and confirm the types/boundaries of Resource Areas on a property. The Commission only makes findings relative to the resources that the applicant sought confirmation for. Other types of resource areas may exist.