Who is the Chatham Conservation Commission? The Commision is a board of 7 volunteers who are citizens of the Town of Chatham and who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a three year term.
The Commission's primary responsibility is to administer both local and state wetlands protection statutes (the Wetlands Protection Act, MGL Ch 131, s. 40 and the Chatham Wetlands Protection Bylaw, Chapter 272). This means that the Commission reviews proposed projects to be undertaken in areas of its jurisdiction. The Commission's objective is to permit projects while protecting the natural resources and the public interests they provide.
The Commission is also responsible for overseeing several town-owned conservation lands.
What areas are protected by the Wetland Regulations? Both freshwater and coastal wetlands are protected. In addition to the obvious wetlands such as marshes, ponds, bogs, etc., other areas considered wetland resource areas include coastal banks, inland banks and land subject to coastal storm flowage (the 100-year flood plain). Additionally, the upland within 100ft of any of these resource areas and the land within 200ft of a river or perennial stream are protected.
What type of activity requires a permit from the Chatham Conservation Commission? Generally, any activity that would constitute altering, removing, filling, dredging, or building upon an area under the jurisdiction of the Commission as described above requires Conservation Commission approval. An application is to be filed with the Commission prior to undertaking the activity. For small projects, an "Administrative Review" may be all that is needed. Any questions about whether a proposed activity requires Commission review should be directed to the Conservation office. Please note that alteration includes the cutting of trees and/or vegetation.
Is there a local wetlands protection bylaw and where can I get a copy? A copy of Chapter 272, Chatham's Wetlands Protection Bylaw and the regulations can be purchased for $10 and is available at the Town Annex, 261 George Ryder Road. It may also be downloaded at no charge from this website on the Conservation Division's webpage.
How often does the Commission meet? The Commission holds public hearings twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays to review applications. Meetings start at 7pm, usually at the Town Annex meeting room, 261 George Ryder Road.
Alternate Wednesdays, the Commission holds work sessions at 4pm. At these posted public meetings, the Commission votes on applications, drafts permits (Orders of Conditions), deals with violations, and conducts other business as necessary.
What is the deadline for submitting an application to be placed on an agenda? A complete application must be submitted by noon 15 days prior to a scheduled meeting.
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