The Conservation Commission's primary function is to review project applications and make determinations pursuant to the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Ch 131 sec. 40) and the local Newburyport Wetlands Ordinance. Projects range in size from small additions located near wetlands or water bodies to large developments that may impact wetland resources.

At present, the Newburyport Wetlands Ordinance applies primarily to Plum Island. The Ordinance was adopted in 2001 (and amended in 2005) to provide additional protection for the barrier beach--an especially fragile natural resource area. If you have questions as to whether or not you need a conservation permit for a project--either on Plum Island or on the mainland--please contact the Conservation Administrator at 978-465-4462 for guidance. Also, see "Coastal Resources" below for information on how to protect your property in coastal areas.

The Conservation Commission typically meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers (call the Conservation Administrator to verify the meeting time and location). Hearings for projects will appear in the Newburyport Daily News and, if you are an abutter, you will receive notification by Certified Mail.

The public is welcome to attend commission meetings; go to the Agendas and Minutes section on the right to view upcoming meeting agendas. Note that agendas are subject to change up to 48 hours before a meeting.

Conservation Commission Policies & Guidelines:

2010 Meeting Schedule and Application Deadlines

Newburyport (Plum Island) Wetlands Ordinance

Plum Island Filing Guidelines

Meeting Continuance Policy

Rules for Hiring Outside Consultants

Conservation Restrictions Certification Policy

Coastal Resources:

Coastal Zone Management's StormSmart Coasts Program

Landscaping to Protect your Coastal Property

Using "Freeboard" to Elevate Structures - Save on Insurance!

FEMA Fact Sheets - Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction

Links:

MA Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)

MA DEP Public Access to Wetland Notices of Intent

MA Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC)

Agendas & Minutes:

Agendas Minutes 05-19-09 05-19-09 06-02-09 06-02-09 06-16-09 06-16-09 07-07-09 07-07-09 07-21-09 07-21-09 08-04-09 08-04-09 08-18-09 08-18-09 09-01-09 09-01-09 09-15-09 09-15-09 10-06-09 10-06-09 10-20-09 10-20-09 11-17-09 11-17-09 12-01-09 12-01-09 12-15-09 12-15-09 01-05-10 01-05-10 02-02-10 02-02-10

ARCHIVED AGENDAS AND MINUTES