How Do I Obtain a Permit?

The length of time for an application to be reviewed and deliberated can vary based on the following factors:

  • the completeness of an application,
  • the type of activity being proposed, and
  • whether the application needs to be reviewed by the Tolland's Inland Wetland & Watercourses Commission or by the Town's Wetland Agent

The Appeal Period - 15 days

Upon approval, regardless if your permit was approved by the Commission or the Wetland Agent, Connecticut state statutes mandates that there is a 15-day appeal period where the public legally can appeal the approval of the permit. The public is notified via a legal ad in a widely circulating newspaper. After the 15-day appeal period has ended town staff will mail you your wetland permit. 

Agent Issued Wetland Permit Process

  1. Fill out the Wetland Permit Application completely.
  2. Submit the application and necessary documents such as maps, as well as any additional items to help the reviewer.
  3. Pay the application fee. 
  4. The Wetland Agent reviews the application for completeness and the activity proposed. 
  5. If approved there is a 15-day appeal period.
  6. Applicant must pay for and post a legal ad (prepared by town staff) notifying the public of the approved permit.
  7. Upon no appeal by the public town staff will mail the permit.
  8. The permittee has 5-years to complete the approved activity.

Commission Issued Wetland Permit Process

  1. Fill out the Wetland Permit Application completely.
  2. Submit the application and necessary documents such as maps, as well as any additional items to help the reviewer.
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. To be placed on the Agenda applications must be submitted at least 7-days prior to the next regularly scheduled Inland Wetlands Commission meeting. Please refer to the yearly meeting schedule. 
  5. First time application submittals to the Commission are considered "received" at the first meeting. Per CT General Statues Wetland Commissions may not act on an application for 14-days. The vote will occur the following month at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
  6. The application appears on the Agenda of the next Inland Wetland & Watercourses Commission meeting for review and deliberation by the Commission.
  7. If approved by the Commission there is a 15-day appeal period. 
  8. Town staff prepares the legal ad for you. The cost of the legal ad is built into the application fee.
  9. Upon no appeal by the public town staff will mail the permit.
  10. The permittee has 5-years to complete the approved activity. 

Do I Need to Attend the Commission Meetings?

Town staff recommends that you or your representative attend both Commission meetings in the event the Commissioners may have questions on the day they officially "receive" your application. As well, you should attend the next regularly scheduled meeting after the 14-day period.