Submit wetlands applications via NewGov

Newton now uses an online permitting system called NewGov. Wetland permit applications are only accepted through the online application portal. Hard copies are no longer accepted.

Go to Newton's NewGov site, then click on the Conservation tile to submit a wetland application. Click here for a comprehensive NewGov User Guide.

Plan change memos

Any change to a Conservation-approved plan must be submitted to the Conservation Office for review and approval. Submit revised plans and accompanying Plan Change Memos via NewGov. Revisions must be clearly dated. An example Plan Change Memo can be found here.

Frequently asked questions

What is regulated under the Wetlands Protection Act?

Under the state Wetlands Protection Act and Regulations and the City Floodplain Ordinance, any work proposed within:

• 100-feet of a vegetated wetland, intermittent stream, or pond
• 200-feet of a perennial (year-round) stream
• FEMA Floodplain and/or City Floodplain

must be reviewed and permitted by the Conservation Commission.

Land-altering activities such as grading, construction, tree or shrub removal, drainage projects, etc. are all regulated activities.

What is the timing for applications?

The Conservation Commission meets every three weeks, year-round. Find the meeting schedule here.

For new applications, the submittal deadline is 16 days before the meeting where the applicant wishes to be heard, at noon. A complete wetland filing application is required at this time. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

For continuations, the deadline for revised materials is Monday, 10 days before the meeting, at noon. More time may be required for complicated cases. All materials should be submitted via NewGov.

Which wetland permit should I apply for?

One of three wetland permit applications may be required, depending on the nature and scale of the proposed project and its potential impact on the nearby wetland resource.

• Certain minor activities (such as planting native species, digging a test pit, or removing a hazardous tree) may be eligible for Administrative Approval by Conservation staff. Contact the Conservation Office is you think your project may be exempt or so minor as to not require a full permit.
• Small-scale projects (such as wetland delineation or a minor activity occurring in only the outer Buffer Zone) may be able to be permitted through a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA).
• Large and/or complex projects (such as construction, grading, land clearing, vegetation disturbance, or changes to drainage) will likely require an applicant to file a Notice of Intent (NOI).  

If you have questions, contact the Conservation Office. Please note that other City permits (e.g. Building, Engineering, Historical) may be required.

What are the filing requirements for each type of permit?

RDA applications must include:

• Cover Sheet and Checklist for RDA
• WPA Form 1 - Request for Determination of Applicability
• scaled plans
• a $50 City of Newton filing fee check

NOI applications must include:

• Cover Sheet and Checklist for NOI
• WPA Form 3 - Notice of Intent
• scaled plans
• a project narrative
• a description of how the project meets each relevant performance standard
• a $50 City of Newton filing fee check
• Fee Transmittal Form
• Abutter Notification Cover Sheet
• Abutter Notification Affidavit of Service

NOI attachments for some applications.

• Storm Water Checklist
• Riverfront Area Alternatives Analysis
• Flood Zone Cut-and-Fill Calculations      
• Wildlife Habitat Protection Guidance Appendix A
• Wildlife Habitat Protection Guidance Appendix B 

NOI instructions and miscellaneous information: 

• WPA Form 3 Instructions and Supporting Materials
• Fee Schedule and Instructions
• Abutter Notification Requirements and Options
• Abutter List Request Form

NOI permits must be closed out with a Certificate of Compliance. Upon completion of your NOI project, you must submit to the Conservation office:

• WPA Form 8A - Request for Certificate of Compliance
• A signed and stamped as-built plan
• Letter from the engineer (or landscaper for landscaping-only projects) stating that the project was completed in substantial compliance with the approved plans and conditions.

Notices of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) applications require this DEP form:

• WPA Form 4A - Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation

Other relevant regulations

• Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and its regulations (310 CMR 10.00)
• Newton’s Floodplain Ordinance
• Stormwater Ordinance and Stormwater Regulations

Newton Conservation Commission policies  

• Riverfront Area Redevelopment Guidelines
• 25-ft Naturally Vegetated Buffer Policy
• Bounds Required by Conservation Commission
• Deadline for Receipt of Materials Policy
• Flood Zone Policy
• Growing Seasons Survival Policy
• Guidance for Resource Area Delineations
• Invasive Species Control Policy
• Mitigation and Restoration Planting Area Guidelines
• Vernal Pool Determination Guidance

Newton Conservation Commission info sheets

• My Property Has Wetlands - What Does That Mean?
• Recommended Native Plants
• Piped Streams Jurisdiction
• Construction in the Flood Zone
• Guidance to Conservation Commissions: Beavers (DEP)

Examples of complete applications

• Demo single family home, construct two-family home in Riverfront Area
• Single family home, pool construction in flood zone
• Large public project
• Stormwater O&M plan (residential example)