What happens after I submit my application?

Applications are submitted by the applicant to the Becket Conservation Commission and to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. In the case of an NOI, the DEP will issue a file number and their comments as guidance to the Commission. The Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting within 21 days of the file number notification. In the case of RDA’s, no file number from DEP is needed, and the Commission  will rule on the application at its meeting.

Any information needed in consideration of an application coming before the Becket Conservation Commission must be received by the Commission at least two Fridays prior to the meeting at which the Commission will discuss the application, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Commission or chair. All requested changes or additions to the applications need to be received by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday before the meeting unless requested by the Commissioners at site visits, in order for the Commission to act on it at their meeting.

Regular Commission meetings are scheduled on the third Thursday of the month. In certain circumstances the Commission may hold a special hearing sooner than the next month’s regular meeting.

The Conservation Commission will schedule a visit to your site prior to acting on your application. Site visits typically occur the Monday before the scheduled Commission meeting, although site visits at other times may be possible. Please note that your property must be identifiable from the road so that Commission members can locate it. Project sites should also be well marked with flagging and/or staking for any structures and wetlands clearly visible, easy to interpret, and corresponding to the plans that are submitted. If your site, the location of any proposed work area, or resource areas are not clearly marked, the Commission may not be able to make a determination on your application and may issue against your proposal or defer your hearing to its next meeting.

After the site visit, you may be contacted for additional information that should be provided before or at the Commission meeting. Keep in mind, however, that the Commission reserves the right to require more time to review such additional information (especially if it is extensive or highly technical or requires another site visit to understand or verify), and may decide to continue your public hearing to a later date.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information on this website is meant to simplify very complicated regulations, and is not meant to substitute for applicants' responsibility to understand and follow applicable laws, and read the official forms and instructions carefully. In cases where information on this website disagrees or appears to disagree with state and local regulations and policies, the official regulations and policies take precedent.

Thanks to the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for contributing to information on this website.