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Administrative Approvals

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What is an Administrative Approval Permit?

An Administrative Approval (AA) is a permit issued by the Westport Conservation Department that allows certain small-scale activities near wetlands or watercourses without requiring a formal public hearing. These are typically low-impact projects that comply with conservation setback rules and do not fall within special protection zones such as the Waterway Protection Line Ordinance (WPLO) area.

When is an Administrative Approval Needed?

You may need an Administrative Approval if:

  • Your project is near wetlands or watercourses (within regulated setback areas).

  • The impact of the work is minimal (no significant grading, drainage changes, or disturbance to natural features).

  • You are outside the WPLO boundary.

  • The wetlands have been flagged by a certified soil scientist and properly shown on a site plan.

Examples of Qualifying Projects

  • Small additions to a house or garage

  • Decks, patios, fences, or walkways near—but not in—wetlands

  • Minor landscaping or grading projects outside the 20-foot buffer

  • Drainage improvements with no direct discharge to watercourses

What Projects Do Not Qualify?

  • Any work inside the WPLO boundary

  • Projects with substantial grading or drainage changes

  • Any activity within a wetland or watercourse

  • Projects lacking an accurate wetland delineation

Application Requirements

To apply for an Administrative Approval, you must submit:

  1. Administrative Approval Application Form

  2. Wetlands delineation by a licensed soil scientist

  3. Survey or site plan showing flagged wetlands and proposed work

  4. Supporting documents (e.g. drainage/grading plans, erosion control if applicable)

  5. Applicable fees (see fee schedule)

  6. Demolition form, if relevant

  7. Submission via Westport’s Online Service Portal

In some cases, the Conservation Department may waive certain requirements if reliable documentation exists or if field inspection shows no regulated areas are present.

Application Documents