Frequently Asked Questions
CCIWWA
According to CTDEEP, wetlands and watercourses are typically identified using the familiar terms marsh, swamp, river, brook, pond or lake. However, the CT Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Act (Act) defines inland wetlands by soil type. The soil types are poorly drained, very poorly drained, alluvial, and floodplain.
Identifying inland wetlands by soils allows us to recognize those areas when there may be no surface water present such as during times of drought, during dry seasons, or during winter when characteristic wetland indicator plants may not be obvious.
Additionally inland wetlands may not always appear wet. For example, all floodplain soils are considered inland wetlands regardless of drainage class and some floodplain soils can be quite dry.
CTDEEP Inland Wetlands and Watercourses.
The CTDEEP web site has extensive information and definitions which can be found here:
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Water/Inland-Wetlands/Inland-Wetlands-and-Watercourses
Residential use means activities carried out on property developed for permanent housing or being developed to be occupied by permanent housing.
Commercial and industrial uses means activities carried out on property developed for industry, commerce, trade, recreation or business or being developed to be occupied for such purposes, for profit or nonprofit.
Other uses means activities other than residential, commercial or other industrial uses.
Permitted uses as of right $0.00
No regulated uses $35.00
REGULATED USES
Residential Uses
Single Lot $125.00
Proposed Subdivisions $250.00
Plus either $5.00 per 5,000 Sq. Ft. or wetlands on property or $50.00 per each proposed lot (whichever is greater)
Commercial and Industrial Uses
$250.00 plus either $0 for less than 2,500 Sq. Ft. regulated area
$25.00/acre for 2,500 Sq. Ft. regulated area and over
All other uses $150.00
Significant Activity Fee/ Public Hearing Fee $350.00
Map Amendment Petitions $200.00 plus
$25.00/acre
Modification of Previous Approval $100.00
(Permit Approval)
Transferal of an Existing Permit $50.00
No application shall be granted or approved by the Conservation Commission/ Inland Wetland Agency unless the correct application fee is paid in full or unless a waiver has been granted by the Conservation Commission/ Inland Wetland Agency pursuant to subsection 4.14 of the Town Fee Ordinance #09-20-94-134.
- If the commission determines that the proposed activity is a significant activity (see definition for "significant impact" in the Watertown CCIWA regulations.
- If the commission receives a petition with 25 or more signatures to hold a public hearing.
- If the commission determines that it is in the best interest of the public to hold a hearing.
- Any activity involving deposition or removal of material which will or may have a substantial effect on the wetland or watercourse or on wetlands or watercourses outside the area for which the activity is proposed.
- Any activity which substantially changes the natural channel or may inhibit the natural dynamics of a watercourse system.
- Any activity which substantially diminishes the natural capacity of an inland wetland or watercourse to: support aquatic, plant or animal life and habitats; prevent flooding; supply water; assimilate waste; facilitate drainage; provide recreation or open space; or perform other functions.
- Any activity which is likely to cause or has the potential to cause substantial turbidity, siltation or sedimentation in a wetland or watercourse.
- Any activity which causes substantial diminution of flow of a natural watercourse or groundwater levels of the wetland or watercourse.
- Any activity which is likely to cause or has the potential to cause pollution of a wetland or watercourse.
- Any activity which damages or destroys unique wetland or watercourse areas or such areas having demonstrable scientific or educational value.
P&Z
For more information please consult the Watertown Historic District Regulation and Rules of Procedure.
To find what zone your property is in you can go to the towns assessors website and input your property address. You can also find your zone by looking at the Watertown Zoning map and finding your property on it.
Property deeds can be found at the town clerk’s office, which can make copies for a small fee.
An in-law apartment other wise known as an accessory dwelling unit has a separate entrance and exit, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping facilities, that is
(1) physically attached to or contained within an existing single-family house or
(2) occupies the second story of an existing garage or accessory building on the same lot as the principal dwelling.
A duplex on the other hand is considered a two single-family dwelling unit which is connected by an unpierced wall extending from basement to roof. Accessory dwelling units are allowed in all residential zones, while duplexes are only allowed in R-20, R-10, and R-G or in R-30 R-12.5 by special permit.
The foundation as built is to be done after the completion of the foundation, while the final as-built is to be given once the entire building is finished, and before it is allowed to be occupied. A copy of the foundation as-built and final as-built should be given to the planning and zoning department, as well as the building department.
For Contractors: We will require a separate zoning application in conjunction with the building application. You can submit both simultaneously for review. If the panels are roof mounted the zoning review is cursory but needed for the building permit. The zoning fee is calculated on a sliding scale based upon the cost of the project. For the building department you will need to provide engineered specifications along with the application, a building fee will also be calculated with a sliding scale based on project cost. Once the installation is completed and approved, the building official will inspect and provide a final approval prior to allowing the solar panels to be activated.
(Future applications may be available online)