Find out if you need a wetlands permit

The state has a mapping tool that allows you to find wetlands on or near your property. You can also review flood map of your address.

If you're unsure whether you'll need a wetlands permit, you can submit a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA). Before you complete your request, it’s a good idea to review these instructions for more background and details.

Request for Determination of Applicability

If you find out that your project requires a wetlands permit, we have information on how to get a permit through the Boston Conservation Commission.

The City needs two hard copies of your documents — one signed original and one copy. We also need one electronic copy, which you can send to us by email or as a cloud link. We will also need two hard copies of these documents:  

• WPA Form 1
• Plans measuring  11 inches by 17 inches  
• An Abutters List, Affidavit of Service, and Abutter Notification. All abutters within 300 feet of the project property line must be notified, including those in a neighboring municipality.
• A detailed project narrative.

• (If applicable) A Stormwater Report to document compliance with the Stormwater Management Standards, per 310 CMR 10.05(6)(k)-(q). This includes associated drainage calculations for rooftops, parking lots, driveways, etc., for the required design storm events.

• (If applicable) A narrative detailing best management practices for stormwater management, as set forth in the Stormwater Management Standards of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and any separate standards and guidelines prepared by the City and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission.

• (If applicable) The Checklist for Stormwater Report.

• Details of the stormwater management system, including catch basins, oil separating tanks, detention basins, outfalls, sewer connections, etc.

We don’t want non-recyclable materials. Please don't send us vinyl or plastic binders, folders, or covers with your application.

Maps and plans must display two things:

1. You need to show the condition of the existing and proposed project sites. This should include temporary measures, effects from construction, or any work planned to lessen the impact of construction.

2. You also need to show what types of activities will take place, and where they'll be located. Make sure to show where the activities are in relation to the wetlands boundaries.

Your plans also need to meet certain design standards. Check our filing guide for the most up to date requirements.

Get your drawings stamped by a registered professional civil engineer or land surveyor. Any plans showing drainage systems or sewer systems must also be stamped by a registered professional civil engineer. 

We need the two hard copies of your application along with the one electronic copy. The fee to submit a Request for Determination of Applicability is:

• $100 for project sites up to 1 acre, and
• $25 for up to each additional acre

You can email electronic copies to cc@boston.gov or give us a cloud link to download. You can bring the two hard copies of your application — or mail everything — to:

Boston Conservation Commission

1 City Hall Square, Room 709

Boston, MA 02201

We don’t want non-recyclable materials. Please don't send us vinyl or plastic binders, folders, or covers with your application.

Once we get your application, you'll need to attend one or more hearings with us. Hearings are usually on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. You can find the hearing scheduled in the Boston Herald and on the City's public notices page.

If you get everything to us two weeks before our next scheduled hearing date, your first hearing will fall on that date. If you miss the two-week window, your first public hearing will take place on the following date.