Are there fees for submitting permit applications under the Wetlands Protection Act and the Ipswich Wetland Protection Bylaw?
Yes, there are separate fees under the state law and the bylaw. Fees must be paid in full under both, for the Commission to open the public hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Conservation Department.

Show All Answers

1. How does the Ipswich Conservation Commission administer the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Ipswich Wetland Protection Bylaw?
2. How can I find out if my project is allowable under the Wetlands Protection Act and the Ipswich Wetland Protection Bylaw?
3. What types of permits does the Ipswich Conservation Commission issue?
4. Can the Commission’s decisions be appealed?
5. What is the Conservation Commission’s jurisdiction under the Wetlands Protection Act and the Wetland Protection Bylaw?
6. Can the Conservation Agent approve my project?
7. Why does the Conservation Agent have to approve my building permit, and what is the process?
8. What is a Buffer Zone to a Jurisdictional Resource Area?
9. What is Riverfront Area?
10. What is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern?
11. What are the Commission’s mandatory setbacks?
12. What can I do in the Commission’s Mandatory No-Disturbance Zone?
13. What can I do in the Commission’s Mandatory No-Build Zone?
14. May I request a waiver of the No-Disturbance Zone or the No-Build Zone?
15. Do I have to file with the Commission for a deck that will be the same size and on the same footings on my property?
16. Do I have to file with the Commission for a temporary (seasonal) pool on my property?
17. Do I have to file with the Commission for a seasonal dock?
18. Do I have to file with the Commission for an addition to my house?
19. Do I have to file with the Commission for a shed on my property?
20. Do I have to file with the Commission for a chicken coop or a dog pen on my property?
21. Do I have to file with the Commission for a non-permanent / temporary structure, such as a Quonset hut or hoop house on my property?
22. Do I have to file with the Commission for a gravel / stone walkway on my property?
23. Do I have to file with the Commission to cut down one or more trees on my property?
24. Do I have to file with the Commission to prune trees and shrubs on my property?
25. Do I have to have my wetland delineated by a professional wetland scientist?
26. Do I have to submit plans prepared by an engineer or can I submit a hand-drawn sketch of my project if I file a Request for Determination of Applicability?
27. Do I have to submit plans prepared by an engineer or can I submit a hand-drawn sketch of my project if I file a Notices of Intent?
28. When do I have to file a Notice of Intent and when can I file a Request for Determination of Applicability instead?
29. Are there fees for submitting permit applications under the Wetlands Protection Act and the Ipswich Wetland Protection Bylaw?
30. Do I have to be present at the public hearing?
31. Is my home in a floodplain?
32. Are there wetlands on my property?
33. Can I plant shrubs and herbaceous plants in the buffer zone to wetlands or the Riverfront Area?
34. Can the expiration date of my order of conditions be extended?
35. Can the expiration date of my Determination of Applicability be extended, or the project approved by my Determination of Applicability be amended?
36. Can the expiration date of my Order of Resource Area Delineation be extended?
37. Do I have to notify abutters to my project?
38. Since they are biodegradable, can I throw leaves, brush, and grass clippings into the wetland?
39. How do I close out an Order of Conditions (OOC)?
40. Can the Conservation Agent approve my Request for a Certificate of Compliance?
41. How soon can the Conservation Commission approve my Request for a Certificate of Compliance?
42. Can I make changes to a Negative Determination of Applicability?
43. Can I make changes to my Order of Conditions?
44. What is a minor project change?
45. How does the Commission determine if a change is a substantial project change?
46. Can I appeal to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) if the Commission denies my request for a minor modification or amendment?
47. What is the procedure to request a minor modification of my Order of Conditions?
48. What is the procedure to request an amendment of my Order of Conditions?
49. Do I have to file with the Commission to install test pits for a new or replacement septic system on my property?
50. How many copies are required to be submitted with my application?