Frequently Asked Questions

As the City of Westfield is trying to go paperless, we request all applications, plans and supporting documents be submitted digitally, along with one hard copy. If you are unable to email or provide a digital copy, please submit 2 hard copies of all documents. Remember to send one copy of all your documents to the Department of Environmental Protection at: The Department of Environmental Protection Wetlands Division 436 Dwight Street Springfield, MA 01103

1. The Commission will schedule your application on an agenda and you will receive a notification as to when it has been scheduled. 2. If deemed necessary, the Coordinator will schedule a site visit to view the resource areas (wetlands) and where your project is in relation to those wetlands. 3. You or your representative are expected to attend the meeting.

Under Massachusetts General Law 131 Section 40, all cities and towns in Massachusetts have Conservation Commissions who permit activities in and near wetlands such as streams, brooks, ponds, marshes, wet meadows and wooded swamps. These Commissions also have enforcement authority as provided to them under the Massachusetts Wetlands Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) if alterations occur in/near wetlands without the proper permits. Westfield's Conservation Commission has additional authority under the Westfield Wetlands Protection Ordinance.

Do not assume your contractor will pull all the necessary permits. As the property owner, you are responsible to ensure you obtain all permits that may be required. If you are unsure, contact the Westfield Conservation Commission at (413) 572-6281.