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1. I know I need a permit, so what next?

Process

• Once you know your project falls within a regulated area you will need to assess what professional assistance will be helpful. If your wetlands and/or watercourses have not been identified (flagged) in the field by soil scientist and surveyed, this is a good first step. Always check with the IWWA office first to see what records are available. This could save time and money.
• Next, an environmental analyst can provide guidance regarding the values of your wetland and early advice regarding how your desired plans do or do not support wetland protection. She can provide solutions to help balance your project before too much time and money has been spent on design work.
• Many construction projects will require a civil engineer, who will be largely responsible for creating a site plan. The engineer will assess the project’s needs for, among other things, stormwater management, as accommodating stormwater will eventually become part of the scope of your project. An engineer will also be useful if a septic system is involved.
• A landscape architect is a helpful professional to enlist for projects that include a landscaping component. A landscape architect will draft the site plan showing vegetation to be altered, any regrading, and what plants are going to be installed - including plants for mitigating the impacts the project may pose to wetlands and watercourses. It is important to work with a professional who has experience with wetlands and watercourses and shares your aesthetic.
• Any of these professionals can represent you to the agency. Whether or not you retain an attorney is a personal choice. Generally, the more complex a project is, the more likely an applicant is to have an attorney as part of their team.

For simple projects, it is best to speak with a technical staff member to discuss what is the minimum information you need to support your project. A cadre of professionals may well be more than is necessary. Application forms are available on the agency’s website.

2. Why are there three levels of applications and how do I know which one to use?

The agency provides three levels of applications in recognition of the variety of complexity in submitted projects and the variety of supporting documentation that is needed. Minor projects may be approvable by the agency staff. These projects are generally further from the wetland and/or watercourse and tend to be small-scale activities such as small additions, decks, generators, etc., which do not involve a lot of grading or clearing. The application requirements are relatively simple.

The vast majority of applications submitted are subject to review by the agency and entail more substantial additions or landscaping, new homes, expansion of lawns, pond dredging, etc. Many of these projects will require one or more professionals to help compile application documents. Of these, the environmental analyst and engineer will contribute the most, once the wetland boundary and survey are obtained. The highest category is reserved for projects which may cause significant impact to wetlands or watercourses, thus the supporting documentation reflects this potential. Usually, a variety of professionals are needed to represent these more complex applications and a public hearing will be held.

3. How do I submit my application?

Once you have assembled your application documents, you can make an appointment by emailing the Applications Coordinator, Peter Mangs. He will review the package to ensure all necessary information is provided. The deadline for submission is 3 p.m. the Friday before each regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the agency. The filing fee must be submitted at the time of filing. A digital copy of the application package is also needed for submission.

4. Are my neighbors going to be informed of my application?

Yes. As part of the application process abutting property owners are notified by direct mailing. The agency is only interested in receiving input from the public pertaining to wetland and watercourse protection. Consequently, even if your neighbor doesn’t like your project (or you!), their comments will not carry weight unless they reference wetland issues that can be substantiated.

5. Who are the members of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency?

The agency’s seven regular and three alternate members are residents of Greenwich, who volunteer their time to review applications and other important issues related to the town’s wetland and watercourse resources. The Board of Selectmen make appointment recommendations to the Representative Town Meeting, which is ultimately responsible for making the final appointments. The agency is supported by five technical staff members and three administrative staff members.