Litchfield Wetlands Agency Proposes New Permit Fees

Litchfield's Inland Wetlands Agency proposes new permit fees to recover costs for legal notices and state filings. The agency will hold a public hearing on June 1, followed by state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection review. Town meeting approval is required because the current fees are written into the agency's ordinance.

The proposed fees include a $60 base charge and $275 for substantial activity, with rates varying by location and disturbance intensity. Wetlands Enforcement Officer Stacey Sefcik said higher fees in wetlands and Upland Review Areas aim 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 these permits after completing work without agency approval.