How to File an Application and Get on a Hearing Agenda

The state has a mapping tool that allows you to find wetlands on or near your property. You can also review a flood map of your address.

If you're unsure whether you'll need a wetlands permit, please reach out to the Conservation Commission at cc@boston.gov or 617-635-3850. We will can help you determine if your work falls within our jurisdiction and wether you need to file with us. 

Once you have determined that you need to file with the Conservation Commission, please review the Filing Guide and Filing Checklists document. This document provides more information on the types of permits we issue.

If you are unsure of the type of filing that your project needs, please reach out to the Conservation Commission at cc@boston.gov and 617-635-3850.

We require a compiled PDF and two hard copies of filing materials (one with original or e-certified signatures) by a filing deadline. Please see the Conservation Commission hearing dates and filing deadlines page for our most up to date calendar. 

Once Commission Staff have determined that an application is administratively complete, an advertisement of the project must be placed in a newspaper. At this time, Commission Staff draft advertisements and send them to the Boston Herald. The draft ad will run one week before a scheduled hearing. The project team or applicant must pay for the advertisement to run. 

Once the Herald ad has run, your project will officially be placed on a hearing agenda. We ask that project teams send Commission Staff a presentation slide deck (Powerpoint or Google Slides) to cc@boston.gov the day before a hearing. 

As of 2025, our public hearings are completely virtual over Zoom and begin at 6 pm. When it is your turn to present, Commission Staff will display your slides on the screen. Commissioners will ask questions after you present. Afterwards, members of the public will have a chance to ask questions or make comments.

The Commission will then decide if your application is continued to the next hearing or it can be closed and a permit can be issued. 

If your project is continued, you will have some time to provide the Commission with any revised materials before the next scheduled hearing. 

If the Commission voted to issue your permit, Commission Staff will issue your permit within 21 days of the hearing.