Permit Filings & Procedures - Conservation
When to File a Permit?
A permit shall be required for any alteration activities "within and/or 100 feet of any jurisdictional wetlands or water resource areas, and/or within 200 feet of perennial stream/river/brook ["Conservation Jurisdiction"],
A permit will be needed if you are planning on engaging in any of the the following (but not limited to) activities within Conservation Jurisdiction:
Any persons seeking to perform work within "Conservation Jurisdiction" should contact the Conservation Department for permitting guidance and assistance, as un-authorized activities or non-compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act may lead to fines, penalties, and enforcement action. |
The Town of Norton Conservation Commission DOES NOT administer a Local Bylaw, but does administer a 25-Foot No Disturbance Zone Policy (see Policies).
Permit Submission Requirements
Permit Applications are due 2 weeks prior to any Public Hearing (see Meeting Schedule).
Physical Mailing* Two copies of permit application, two full sized sets of plans and two reduced 11”x17” sets of plans |
Online Submission* Click to file an Online Conservation Permit Application (OpenGov) |
Legal Advertisement* Conservation Dept. shall initiate the Legal Ad, and provide an invoice which is to be paid by applicant, payments are made to Sun Chronicle 508-222-7018. Proof of Payment shall be required before the Public Hearing. |
Conservation Permits
Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD)
The Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) provides a procedure for an applicant to confirm the delineation of a Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW), Bank, Land Subject to Flooding, and Riverfront Area.
| WPA4A: Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation* |
| Notification to Abutters* |
| ANRAD Checklist* |
| Request For Extension to Orders |
Notice of Intent (NOI)
Any persons looking to alter or disturb land within Conservation Jurisdiction must submit an application to the local Conservation Commission and MassDEP. The Notice of Intent application provides the Conservation Commission and MassDEP with a complete and accurate description of the proposed land use development or project.
| WPA3: Notice of Intent* | |
| Notification to Abutters* | |
| NOI Checklist* | |
| Request For Amended Order of Conditions | |
| Request For Extension to Orders | |
| Request For Certificate of Compliance |
Request for Determination (RDA)
The Request for Determination of Applicability provides applicants with the option of seeking a determination whether the Wetlands Protection Act applies to a proposed site or activity.
| WPA1:Request For Determination* |
| RDA Checklist* |
* = Required as part of the original permit application submission.
Additional Links:
Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act
Norton Conservation Commission - Policies
Massachusetts Wetland Delineation Handbook (Revised 2022)
Norton GIS Mapper
Homeowner's Guide to Wetlands Permitting
Wetland Permitting Procedures