Permits and Applications

The Andover Conservation Commission’s meetings are being conducted virtually at this time.   Conservation Commission meetings are not being held  in person at town offices.  

Please check the meeting schedule on the Conservation webpage for any potential changes to meeting dates and filing deadlines. 

Abutter notifications must contain the proper language regarding virtual meetings.   

The Andover Conservation Commission aims to protect the Town of Andover’s natural resources in accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. 131 Section 40A)  and the Town's Wetlands Protection Bylaw, Article XIV. Wetlands include rivers, streams, ponds, marshes, wet meadows, bogs, swamps, and other wet areas. Wetlands play a critical role in protecting Andover's drinking water supply, reduce storm and flood damage, and create habitat for countless wildlife and plant species.  

If you are interested in conducting an activity or project in or near a wetland, contact the Staff of the Andover Conservation Division.. Conservation Division Staff can help explain the applicable wetlands protection laws and how they may affect your project.  Under the state Wetlands Protection Act and the Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw, activities or projects to take place within a wetland itself or within 100 feet of wetlands and/or 200 feet of a perennial river or stream requires review and permitting through the Andover Conservation Commission. 

Also, please explore the regulations issued under both the state’s Wetlands Protection Act and Andover’s Wetlands By-Law, as they outline specific standards that should be incorporated into the project design. If your project does not meet these standards, a permit to allow the project or activity to proceed may be denied.

If your project or activity will take place within a wetland itself or the 100 foot and 200 foot distances mentioned above, the next step is to submit a formal application, known as a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) or Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Andover Conservation Commission. Conservation meetings – when they review project applications - are normally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00pm. Filing deadlines for meetings are 12pm on the Tuesday two weeks prior to the meeting date. Once the public hearing is closed, the Commission will issue its decision, known as a Determination of Applicability or an Order of Conditions.  Additional information is available through the links below.