Contact the Belmont Land Use Office in regards to proposed projects.  Assistance is available in regards to local regulations and permitting process (see contact information below).

Contact the Wetlands Bureau for assistance in regards to state and federal regulations and permitting process (see contact information below).

Application forms are available from the Town Clerk, the Wetlands Bureau or from the Wetlands Bureau web site.

The Belmont Conservation Commission receives a copy of all applications submitted to the Wetlands Bureau.  In order for the State to process an expedited application it must be signed by the Conservation Commission before it is submitted to the State.  A standard application does not require the signature of the Conservation Commission, but under RSA 482-A:11.III the Commission has 14 days to notify the Wetlands Bureau if it intents to intervene and an additional 40 days to submit information or recommendations.  Our recommended local process has been established to provide as much information as possible to the Conservation Commission so that unnecessary delay of your project at the State level will not occur. 

 

The applicant shall first determine whether the project qualifies for an expedited or standard State review process.  Wetlands Bureau handouts are on file in the Belmont Land Use office for review, or contact the Wetlands Bureau directly for assistance.  Once this determination has been made, we recommend the following process at the local level:

 

Expedited Applications

 

	Complete the Wetlands Bureau expedited application form, attaching all required information and documents (with the exception of the certified postal receipts).
	Submit five copies of your application form and supporting documents to the Belmont Land Use Office for review by the Conservation Commission.  If your project is very detailed we recommend being placed on the agenda for the next Conservation Commission meeting.  This will allow the Commission an opportunity to ask questions and clearly understand the proposal.
	Permission of the owner will be requested for the Commission/Staff to inspect the site.  An inspection is necessary before the Commission can adequately evaluate the application.
	If the Commission votes to waive its right to intervene in the State review process, believes that the application and submitted plans accurately represent the proposed project, and has no objection to permitting the proposed work, they will sign all five copies and return them to the applicant.
	The applicant should then: notify all abutters by certified mail, deliver the five signed copies of the completed application including copies of the certified mail receipts and the State and local ($10) fees to the Belmont Town Clerk. The Town Clerk will sign your application and send it to the NH Wetlands Bureau and distribute the remaining copies as required.
	If the Commission does not waive its right to intervene, or believes that the application and submitted plans do not accurately represent the proposed project, or has objection to permitting the proposed work, then the project is not eligible for expedited status and the applicant must file a standard application for the project.

 

Standard Applications

 

Complete the DES standard application form, including all required information and documents (with the exception of the certified postal receipts).

 

	If your project is very detailed we recommend providing information to, and or scheduling a meeting with the Conservation Commission prior to submitting your application to the Town Clerk.  This will allow the Commission an opportunity to clearly understand the proposal and avoid unnecessary delay once your application reaches the Wetlands Bureau.   For a review of your proposal, please submit one copy of your application information to the Land Use Office.  If you wish to meet with the Commission, submit one copy of your application information to the Land Use Office along with your request to be placed on the agenda.
	The applicant should then: notify all abutters by certified mail, deliver the five copies of the completed application including copies of the certified mail receipts and the State and local ($10) fees to the Belmont Town Clerk. The Town Clerk will sign your application and send it to the Wetlands Bureau and distribute the remaining copies as required.
	If you choose not to provide pre-application information or to meet with the Commission: notify all abutters by certified mail, deliver the five copies of the completed application including copies of the certified mail receipts and the State and local ($10) fees to the Belmont Town Clerk. The Town Clerk will sign your application and send it to the Wetlands Bureau and distribute the remaining copies as required.
	Whether you choose to meet with the Commission or to submit your application directly to the Town Clerk permission of the owner will be requested for the Commission/Staff to inspect the site.  An inspection is necessary before the Commission can adequately evaluate the application.  If the Conservation Commission believes that the application and submitted plans accurately represent the proposed project, and has no objection to permitting the proposed work they will not intervene in the Wetlands Bureau process.  If the Commission does have concerns or does not have sufficient information it will notify the Wetlands Bureau and then has up to 40 days to submit comments.

Waltham, MA 02254-9149