www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Inland Wetlands Commission

Office: Lower level of Bryan Memorial Town Hall Hours: Mon–Wed 9–5, Thurs by appt., Friday 9–noon. It is wise to call before stopping in if you want to talk with the Wetlands Enforcement Officer because he is often in the field doing inspections. Forms and materials can be picked up outside the office weekdays from 9-5. Telephone: 860-868-0423 Fax: 860-868-2819 Note that several departments share this fax line, so be sure to address your document clearly! Email: wetlands@washingtonct.org Forms: See our Forms page for application forms U.S. Mail Address: Inland Wetlands Commission Town of Washington P.O. Box 383 Washington Depot, CT 06794 Street Address: Inland Wetlands Commission Town of Washington 2 Bryan Plaza Washington Depot, CT 06794 Appointed Officials: (3-year term) • Mark Picton, Chairman • Dorothy Hill, Vice Chairman • Anthony Bedini • Charles LaMuniere • David Thomson • Roger A. Bohan, Alt. • Stephen Wadelton, Alt. • Vacancy, Alt. Staff: • Michael Ajello, Enforcement Officer • Janet Hill, Secretary

Meeting Dates and Application Deadlines:

Generally, the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 PM. See the Town Calendar for possible schedule changes.

Minutes of previous meetings are available online.

Permits:

A permit is required for regulated activities in wetlands and watercourses, within 100 feet of wetlands and watercourses, or in the upland review area. Regulated activities include clearing, grubbing, grading, paving, excavation, filling, constructing, installing or repairing of septic systems, depositing or removing of material, and discharging storm water.

See the Applicant's Guide ( 4 pages) for detailed information about completing and processing an application for an Inland Wetlands permit.

Did You Know:

• Cutting trees in wetlands may require a permit. Please check with the Land Use Office.

• Clear cutting of the understory in wetlands requires a permit. This is because the indigenous character of the wetlands is changed when the cover and shade are eliminated. More sunlight and air are let in, which increases both the temperature of the wetlands and the rate of evaporation.

• There is a Supplemental Application Fee of $120 for the review of each half acre of regulated area on which unauthorized activity has occurred. This is all the more reason to apply for the permit before the work begins.

• Septic work within 100 feet of a wetlands or watercourse requires an Inland Wetlands permit.

Issuance of a permit from the Health Department does not release a property owner from his responsibility to obtain the required Inland Wetlands permit.

Other Commissions:

See our Land Use Brochure ( 16 pages) for an overview of land use in Washington.

Land use issues may involve one or more Town departments. See Land Use Commissions for general information about:

• Conservation Commission
• Historic District Commission
• Inland Wetlands Commission
• Planning Commission
• Zoning Commission
• Zoning Board of Appeals

Annual Reports:

See the Town Annual Report for yearly reports on the activities of the Inland Wetlands Commission.