One of the primary reasons for the establishment of an Inland Wetlands Commission is for the protection of wetlands and watercourses from random, unnecessary, undesirable and unregulated uses.
In Connecticut, wetlands are classified by soil types. The ideal goal when reviewing applications is for zero wetlands disturbance, if at all possible.
The commission regulates wetlands, watercourses, open water bodies plus a setback area. Setbacks are 50 feet from wetlands, watercourses, ponds and 100 feet from Bullet Hill Brook, Eight Mile Brook, Transylvania Brook, Pomperaug River, Shepaug River, Lake Lillinonah, Housatonic River and Lake Zoar.
If land has regulated areas, a certified soil scientist must identify these areas in the field. At this point, a professional engineer would incorporate the soil scientist’s findings onto the engineered plans.
Then, a formal application must be submitted to the Inland Wetlands Commission, along with engineered plans, drainage calculations, the soil scientist’s report and any other pertinent information relating to the project.
The commission then conducts a formal review to determine if the proposal meets all intentions of the local regulations. If no public hearing is warranted, the review process may take up to three months for commission action.
If a public hearing is necessary, this review depends on the size and complexity of the project. Once approval is granted, a permit for the proposed activity will outline specific guidelines that must be followed throughout the construction period.
Copies of the Inland Wetlands Regulations ($10.00) and Wetland Map ($3.00) are available in the office during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
An application fee must accompany each application. Issuance of a permit is subject to payment of the application fee and all other fees noted below. All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise noted. All fees should be made payable to the Town of Southbury
(** State surcharge added to the following fees where applicable **)
(** fee schedule on this site may not reflect recent changes -- always check with Inlands Wetlands department to verify current fees)
Application Form “A”
Maintenance & Restoration Activities... $50.00 (refundable if found to be non-regulated activity)
Application Form “B” (Residential) $250.00
Construction of one, single-family residence
Addition / alteration to single family residence or property; activities, $100.00
other then construction of buildings, on public lands or conservation /
preservation properties, including properties held by not-for-profit entities,
for the purpose of maintaining those properties or facilitating public use / access
"Residence" means property developed for permanent housing. This does not include property developed for industry, commerce, trade, recreation or business being developed to be occupied for such purposes, for profit or non-profit.
Application Form “B” (non-residential uses or more then one residential unit) $750.00
Renewal application fee ... $150.00
Permit Modification fee (*major modification may require a new application) $50.00
Additional Fees, applicable to any application in addition to the Application Fee:
Public Hearing $200.00
Subdivision and Resubdivision, per lot $150.00
Outside Consultants ... at cost up to $1000.00 per lot
(Commission may require bonding and / or pre-payment for outside
services-estimate of all consultant fees shall be paid in advance in order to
proceed with the consultant review procedures.)
Review of Unauthorized or Previously Unpermitted $350.00
Regulated Activity Application (per lot)
(This fee is not an authorization activity and shall apply whenever the
work or activity in a regulated area has been conducted by a property
owner or an agent of the owner without prior authorization or a permit.)
The Agency may waive or refund the application fee for: a) a re-submission of an application withdrawn by the applicant before the next Commission meeting; b) the submission of a revision of an approved application when the revision is not of such magnitude as to require a new application; c) an application submitted by the Town of Southbury or the school district; d) activities for the purpose of maintaining for the preservation of natural resources.
"Outside consultants" means all services by anyone other then the Enforcement Officer or the Agency itself to perform periodic inspections, wetland delineations / inspections, engineers, attorneys, and any other consultants the Agency deems appropriate. The Agency may require bonding or pre-payment of expected costs. If the applicant does not wish to pay for these services, the application must be withdrawn prior to the costs being incurred; fees will not be refunded once the costs are incurred. Once the Agency has indicated outside consultants will be retained, continued prosecution of, or failure to withdraw, the application constitutes the Applicant's agreement to pay the costs of the outside consultants.
In accordance with Section 9.1.1 of the regulations, any person requesting such approval shall file the appropriate Minimal Activity Form provided by the Inland Wetlands office with a sufficient information to enable a proper review and determination of the proposed activity. If approval is granted, a fee in the amount of $25.00 shall be submitted to cover the necessary review process.
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