How do I apply for an Order of Conditions?

Several weeks before the application: obtain a list of abutters from the Assessor's Office in Town Hall; fill out the NOI application form; and prepare site plans and other supporting materials. Wetlands boundaries should be marked by a professional wetlands scientist, and the scientist should provide a report describing the basis for the delineations. Site plans must be surveyed by a Professional Land Surveyor. Other relevant technical information such as soils test data, drainage designs, planting plans, etc. should be prepared by qualified professionals and submitted with the NOI.

Submit the application materials to the Conservation office in Town Hall two weeks before a regular Commission meeting date. (View the Meeting Dates (PDF)). Also send a copy to DEP Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington, and submit the State filing fee to DEP.

Upon receipt of the application materials, the Commission and Administrator will schedule site inspections, mail the legal notice to the abutters, publish the legal notice in the newspaper, and place the matter on their next agenda for a public hearing.

If additional information or plan revisions are needed, the Commission may continue the public hearing to allow the applicant time to address the concerns.

After closing the public hearing, the Commission will issue an Order of Conditions. At a minimum, the process takes about 4 weeks from submittal to date of issue. The Commission may confirm wetlands boundaries and permit proposed work. They will include conditions under which work will be carried out, and also conditions for long-term operation and maintenance that will continue after the work is done, if relevant. In rare cases, the Commission may deny a project that does not meet wetlands protection regulations and standards.

An Order of Conditions is valid for three years. The Order must be recorded at the Registry of Deeds before work begins. The Order may be revised and extended.

Upon completion of work, the applicant requests a Certificate of Compliance and records the Certificate at the Registry.

Show All Answers

1. What are wetlands?
2. Why are wetlands important?
3. What laws apply to wetlands in Reading?
4. How can I tell if there are wetlands on or near my property?
5. When do I need to get a wetlands permit?
6. What kinds of permits are there, and which one should I apply for?
7. What happens after I receive the permit?
8. Where can I obtain further information?
9. How do I apply for a Minor Project Permit?
10. How do I apply for a Determination of Applicability?
11. How do I apply for an Order of Resource Area Delineation?
12. How do I apply for an Order of Conditions?