Notice of Intent (NOI)

It is recommended that you hire a wetland scientist, landscape planner, or engineer to assist you with preparing the permit application.
 
Notice of Intent (NOI): Any work, project, renovation, repair, or construction within 100’ of a wetland area.
 
WPA Form 3 Notice of Intent (NOI) Application:
What is a Wetland?  Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.
  • Water saturation (hydrology) largely determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal communities living in and on the soil.
  • Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial species.
  • The prolonged presence of water creates conditions that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils.
When to file a Notice of Intent.  NOI's are used for Larger projects, such as when the area described is an area subject to jurisdiction under the Act.
  • Removing, filling, dredging, or altering of a wetland area.
  • The work described is within an area subject to jurisdiction under the Act and will remove, fill, dredge, or alter that are
  • The work described is within the Buffer Zone and will alter an Area subject to jurisdiction under the Act
  • The area and/or work is subject to a municipal ordinance or bylaw but not subject to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act.
  • If a Notice of Intent is filed for the work in the work in the Riverfront Area which includes all or part of the work described in the request, the applicant must consider the following alternatives.  See below Department of Environmental Protection 310 CMR 10.00: Wetlands Protection310 CMR 10.58(4)(c).
    • Alternatives limited to the lot on which the project is located.
    • Alternatives limited to the lot on which the project is located, the subdivided lots, and any adjacent lots formerly or presently owned by the same owner.
    • Alternatives limited to the original parcel on which the project is located, the subdivided parcels, any adjacent parcels, and any other land which can reasonably be obtained within the municipality.
    • Alternatives extend to any sites which can reasonably be obtained within the appropriate region of the state.