What if work is planned in or near a resource area?

The first step is to contact the Carlisle Conservation Commission office. The administrator will advise you of the Act’s and the Carlisle Wetland Bylaw requirements and other related regulations, and provide guidance as to the most appropriate process to follow.

There are two common processes available to project applicants: the Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) and the Notice of Intent (NOI). The RDA is the simpler procedure. It is used to obtain a finding as to whether areas subject to protection are present or if the work involved is significant enough to warrant a full permit application.

The NOI is the full permit application process and is used to evaluate whether and under what conditions the proposed work will comply with the performance standards of the Act’s regulations. Some work may be denied, but more commonly the project is modified during the public hearing process. Specific conditions are placed on the project if needed to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Act and the wetland bylaw. For both the RDA and the NOI a legal notice is published in the local newspaper at the applicant’s expense and the applicant is required to notify abutters. In most cases, the public meeting or hearing to review the application is completed in one session, but it is not uncommon, especially for larger projects, for the public meeting or hearing to be continued. Once the Commission has determined that sufficient information has been submitted, the public hearing is closed. In the case of the RDA, the commission will determine if a NOI will be required. In the case of the NOI the commission has 21 days after the close of the hearing in which to issue the full permit, called an Order of Conditions. A 10 business-day appeal period applies after the order or the determination is issued.


Show All Answers

1. What are wetlands, floodplains and riverfronts?
2. Why are wetlands, floodplains and riverfronts protected?
3. How are boundaries of wetlands and floodplains identified?
4. What activities are subject to the Wetlands Protection Act?
5. What if work is planned in or near a resource area?
6. What happens if a violation of the Act occurs?
7. What other wetland related regulations may apply?
8. How can I get more information?