Frequently Asked Questions
|
| |
1. |
What does a Conservation
Commission do? |
| |
2. |
When do I need
to file? |
| |
3. |
What are the requirements
for filing with the Conservation Commission? |
| |
4. |
How much does
it cost to file an application? |
| |
5. |
What if I am not
sure if I need to file with the Conservation Commission? |
| |
6. |
How often does
the Commission meet and when do I have to file an application to get
onto the agenda? |
| |
7. |
What Does a Planning
Board do? |
| |
8. |
Does the Planning Board have
any rules or guidelines? |
| |
9. |
How much discretion does the
Planning Board have in reviewing plans? |
| |
10. |
How often does the Board
meet and when do I have to file an application to get onto the agenda? |
| |
11. |
Where can I get more information
about subdivisions and site plans filed with the Planning Board? |
|
|
| |
|
| |
1. |
What does a Conservation Commission
do? |
| |
|
The Conservation Commission administers
the Wetlands Protection Act (G.L. Chapter 131 Section 40) and serves
the town in a regulatory, as well as a conservation capacity. The
Commission processes applications for permits filed with them for
activity covered by the act. |
| |
|
| |
2. |
When do I need to file? |
| |
|
Anytime you want to do work in or near
wetlands, flood plains, banks, river front areas, beaches, and surface
water. |
| |
|
| |
3. |
What are the requirements for filing
with the Conservation Commission? |
| |
|
Instructions for completing applications
are available in the Engineering Department office or from D.E.P.’s
web site at www.state.ma.us/DEP.
You can also get some guidance from the Engineering Department.
However, many applicants find it to be easier and faster to hire
and engineer or wetland specialist who are familiar with the process,
which can seem overwhelming to people unfamiliar with the regulations. |
| |
|
| |
4. |
How much does it cost to file an
application? |
| |
|
The fee is based on the category of proposed
activity and the resource area impacted by the activity. The fee schedule
is set by the State and can be obtained from the D.E.P. web site referenced
above. |
| |
|
| |
5. |
What if I am not sure if I need
to file with the Conservation Commission? |
| |
|
Contact the Engineering Department. Many
times we can tell from the location of your property and the description
of the work if a filing is needed. |
| |
|
| |
6. |
How often does the Commission meet
and when do I have to file an application to get onto the agenda? |
| |
|
The Conservation Commission meets on the
third Tuesday of every month and applications that require public
hearings must be filed a minimum of two weeks prior to the meeting
to allow sufficient time for the required legal advertisements and
review by staff. The Commission also holds additional meetings to
work on special projects and to act on filings during periods of heavy
activity. |
| |
|
| |
7. |
What Does a Planning Board do? |
| |
|
A Planning Board reviews plans submitted
by applicants who want to develop their land for residential, commercial,
or industrial uses. Plans can be approved with conditions or restrictions
that are incorporated into the Planning Board’s decision. The
Board guides the process of zoning amendments by holding public hearings
and making recommendations to Town Meeting. The Board is also responsible
for the Master Plan and the implementation of some of its recommendations. |
| |
|
| |
8. |
Does the Planning Board have any
rules or guidelines? |
| |
|
Yes. The Planning Board reviews plans for
compliance with the Rules and Regulations governing the subdivision
of land and with the zoning bylaw. The responsibilities are also governed
by the Massachusetts General Laws, especially Chapters 40A and 41. |
| |
|
| |
9. |
How much discretion does the Planning
Board have in reviewing plans? |
| |
|
Generally, the Planning Board must approve
a plan that meets all the applicable regulations and requirements.
Reasonable conditions and restrictions can be placed on a project
as part of the Board’s formal decision. |
| |
|
| |
10. |
How often does the Board meet and
when do I have to file an application to get onto the agenda? |
| |
|
The Planning Board meets on the first Thursday
of every month and any application that requires a public hearing
must be filed at least three weeks before the meeting to allow time
for the required legal advertisements, and reviews by staff. The Board
also holds additional meetings to work on special projects, to meet
deadlines for Town Meeting, and to act on filings during period of
heavy activity. |
| |
|
| |
11. |
Where can I get more information
about subdivisions and site plans filed with the Planning Board? |
| |
|
Plans and project reports are available
in the Engineering Department. |
| |
| |
