An Abutter's Guide to the Conservation Commission Permitting Process

The Sturbridge Conservation Commission has prepared this guide to help you, as an abutter to a proposed project in or near wetlands, understand the permitting process. This is not a legal guide, but it explains how you can participate in hearings, obtain information, and share concerns with the Commission.

To contact the Commission, please call (508) 347-2506,  email [email protected], or visit the Conservation Department at the Center Office Building, 2nd Floor, 301 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01562.

Who is notified of a wetlands project? 

Under the Sturbridge Wetlands Protection Bylaw, all property owners within 300 feet of a proposed project must be notified by the applicant by mail. In addition, all public hearings are legally advertised in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette at least five days before the hearing.

How can I find out more about what is proposed? 

You may call the Conservation Department at Town Hall or contact the applicant directly with questions. Applications and plans are on file at the Conservation office. You are welcome to review them in person, request digital copies at no cost, or pay for printed copies if needed.

What should I expect at the public hearing? 

At the hearing, the applicant or property owner will present their plans and explain the project. The Commission will ask questions, and the Chair will then provide an opportunity for public comments or questions specific to wetland protection.

Because multiple projects are often reviewed in one evening, each hearing is scheduled for a set amount of time. At the end of that time, the hearing may be closed (if no additional information is needed) or continued to a future date (if more information is required). Please note that continuations are not re-mailed; updated agendas are posted on the Town calendar at least 48 hours before each meeting.

What issues does the Commission consider? 

The Commission’s jurisdiction is limited to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, its regulations, and the Sturbridge Wetlands Protection Bylaw. Comments should focus on wetland impacts. Issues such as traffic, noise, or aesthetics are outside the Commission’s authority.

Presenting testimony at public hearings

• Wait to be recognized by the Chair before speaking.
• State your name and address for the record.
• Use the plans to reference concerns or questions.
• Share all questions/concerns at once, then allow others to speak.
• Be respectful of differing opinions.
• Direct questions to the Chair, not to the applicant.
• Stick to wetland-related issues.
• You may simply state agreement with another speaker instead of repeating points.

How can I make my concerns known if I cannot attend? 

Written comments may be submitted any time before the close of the hearing. As with oral testimony, early input is most effective. Send comments to the Conservation Department at Town Hall or by email to the Conservation Agent.

What happens after the hearing? 

Once a hearing is closed, the Commission deliberates and issues a decision, known as an Order of Conditions, within 21 days. The Order outlines whether the project is approved and lists conditions necessary to protect wetland resource areas. If the project cannot be conditioned to provide adequate protection, the Commission may deny it.

Will I be notified of the decision? 

Decisions are not automatically mailed to abutters, but you may request a copy from the Conservation Department. The property owner is also required to record the decision at the Registry of Deeds.

How can I appeal? 

Decisions under the Wetlands Protection Act may be appealed to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) within 10 days of issuance, using forms provided by DEP. Appeals (called Requests for a Superseding Order of Conditions) may be filed by the applicant, an abutter, ten residents of the community, or DEP itself. More information is available at Mass.gov.