How do I know if there are wetlands on my property?

Wetlands are determined by soil type and not always possible to identify by sight.  The Wetlands Enforcement Officer may be able to advise you from a review of maps and records.  If wetlands exist on your property, any work planned may require a permit, even if the work site is a considerable distance from the wetlands.

Which activities need a permit?

Many activities within 200 feet of Candlewood Lake, the East or West Aspetuck River, the Still River, the Housatonic River, watercourses within the West Aspetuck River watershed and within 100 feet of any other watercourse or wetland require a permit.  These activities may include but are not limited to:

· Disturbing the ground by removing or depositing material for any construction (new, addition, repair, septic system)

· Installing a structure on or above the surface such as a residence, deck, pool or shed

· Putting in a driveway

· Dredging a pond

· Landscaping or maintenance in which material is removed or deposited or water is diverted or altered in or from a wetland or watercourse

What can I do without a permit?

· Grazing, farming, nurseries, gardening, harvesting of crops and farm ponds up to three acres which are essential to farming operations

· Boat anchorage or mooring

· Maintenance of residential property without removing or depositing material or diverting water

· Outdoor recreation activities such as playing fields, golf courses, hiking trails, camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, skiing and water sports as long as they do not disturb, alter, obstruct or pollute the wetland or watercourse.

How do I obtain a permit?

Applications are available in the Wetlands Office.

Do I need professional help?

The Wetlands Enforcement Officer can help you determine if your project requires professional help.It may be necessary to hire a certified soil scientist to flag the boundary of the wetlands on your property.  It may also be necessary to obtain a land or topographical survey of the property.  If your application is for minor activities, you may be able to prepare the application drawing yourself.  If complex, you may wish to engage the services of a professional engineer, architect or landscape architect to prepare the drawing.

What happens next?

The Commission meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7:30PM.  There are exceptions to this schedule.  Agendas are posted 24 hours prior to a meeting.  

 What happens at the meeting?

The application is reviewed and, after receiving comments from the public, the Commission may approve the application.  An applicant may wish to be present at the meeting to answer questions. Once the application has been reviewed, you should receive the written decision within two weeks.  In some cases where a potentially significant impact is perceived by the Commission or the public, a public hearing will be scheduled to allow for a more in-depth review.  Please note that individual Commission members cannot discuss the merits of your application during the review process.

Will the Commission set conditions for granting a permit?

Yes. There are standard and special conditions such as requirements for erosion and sedimentation control or a notice to the Town’s land records stating wetlands exist.  A cash performance bond may be required to notify the Commission of work being started.  It is your responsibility to ensure that your contractor understands all of the conditions of the permit.

What are permit costs?

The state charges a one-time application fee of $30.00.All other fees are set annually by the Commission and fee schedules are available in the Wetlands office. The fees required by a soils scientist, engineer, architect or landscape architect will depend upon the size and complexity of the work being proposed.

What can I do if I see a violation?

Call the Wetlands Office and speak with the Enforcement Officer.  Detailed information, including the address and the activity, is appreciated.