Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Contact Us
  2. What is a wetland?
  3. What constitutes a watercourse? If a stream dries up periodically, is it still a regulated watercourse?
  4. How do I know if I have wetlands on my property?
  5. Why does Connecticut protect wetlands and watercourses?
  6. What role does the Greenwich IWWA play in implementing the statute?
  7. I want to tend my wetlands and watercourse responsibly. What should I be doing?
  8. I’m in the early planning phase of a project. Can someone at the IWWA give me guidance?
  9. Is someone from the town able to come to my property to talk about my wetlands?
  10. I want to buy a home which has a “Declaration of Wetlands and Watercourses” filed on the land records. What does that mean?
  11. What is a “Regulated Activity”?
  12. Why is a there a regulated area “buffer” next to wetlands and watercourses?
  13. What can be done with seasonally wet areas on my property?
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  1. I am interested in creating a pond on my property. What should I take into consideration prior to submitting an application?
  2. Can I put yard debris in or next to wetlands?
  3. I want to “clean up” an area of scrubby vegetation on my property. Do I need a permit?
  4. I want to install a deer fence. Do fences require an IWWA permit if it’s in a regulated area?
  5. Is a permit required to remove trees?
  6. My septic system is failing. Do I need a permit if the repair is located within IWWA regulated areas?
  7. What if I am in violation of the regulations?
  8. When do I need a permit from the IWWA for my residential property?
  9. Within the 100/150-foot regulated buffer, how close to the wetland or watercourse can I build and/or landscape?
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  1. I know I need a permit, so what next?
  2. Why are there three levels of applications and how do I know which one to use?
  3. How do I submit my application?
  4. Are my neighbors going to be informed of my application?
  5. Who are the members of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency?
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  1. What happens after I submit my application? How long will the review take?
  2. I received my permit, can I start my project?
  3. I need to post a bond? Why, when, and how?
  4. How do I get my bond back?
  5. I am a neighbor to a project. How do I participate?
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