Litchfield Wetlands Agency Proposes New Permit Fees

Litchfield's Inland Wetlands Agency will hold a public hearing June 1 on proposed permit fee changes designed to cover legal notices and state expenses.

The agency proposes a $60 base fee and a $275 charge for substantial activity. Fees will vary by location—wetland or Upland Review Area—and by disturbance intensity. Wetlands Enforcement Officer Stacey Sefcik said the tiered structure aims to discourage development in sensitive areas.

The agency also proposes after-the-fact permit fees of $150 for residential properties and $300 for commercial properties. Property owners file after-the-fact permits when they complete work without agency approval.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will review the proposed fees before the hearing. Town meeting approval is required because current fees are cited in the agency's governing ordinance.