What is an Upland Review Area?

The term "Upland Review Area" (URA) was developed by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection to provide municipalities guidance to implement the law. The agency has established this distance because it believes activities conducted within this area are likely to impact or affect the wetland or watercourse.

The URA is NOT a prohibitory setback or ecological buffer. This does not mean one cannot perform an activity within an URA but that the activity may need a permit. For more information on what is allowed within an Upland Review Area, Wetlands, or Watercourse, click here.

How Big is the Upland Review Area?

The URA is a designated fixed distance from an inland wetland or watercourse. In Tolland the URA distances are:

• 100-feet from a watercourse (see the definition of watercourse, click here) 
• 50-feet from the edge of a wetland

Doubling the width of the Upland Review Area?

Tolland's Inland Wetland & Watercourse Commission can double the width of the upland review area in cases where any of the following conditions exist:

• the slopes bordering the wetland and/or watercourse are in excess of 15%,
• the presesence of soils highly susceptible to erosion, or
• unique and/or easily damaged wetland ecosystems.

Can I do ANYTHING in the Upland Review Area?

Yes! An activity, such as building a structure, or installing a pool can occur within the upland review area - however the activity will require a wetland permit. It's best to contact Tolland's Wetland Agent for any activity you may want to conduct within the upland review area.