Permit Assistance

Find resources to help with complete wetland permit applications.

Projects that involve excavation, fill, dredge, removal, and/or construction of structures in or on any bank, flat, marsh, or swamp in or adjacent to wetlands and waterbodies often require wetlands permits or authorizations. This may include demonstrations of avoidance and minimization practices, including alternative analyses and supporting documentation. Specific eligibility and requirements are described in state statute (RSA 482-A) and administrative rules (Env-Wt 100-900).

Permit Applications and Project Worksheets

Permits and authorizations vary significantly by proposed project type. Use the "checklists" included with application forms to confirm you have included all required attachments.

Processing Wetlands Permit Applications

an image of tall grass in front of the beach

Processing Permit Applications

In Land Resources Management, we work to process permit application packages promptly and consistently. A team of cross-trained administrators staffs our Application Receipt Center and reviews each application.

 

a log with flowers growing on it lies on waterAcceptance and technical review

We "accept" permit application packages that include all required elements. Applicants receive a letter confirming this acceptance. Next, technical staff review the application for compliance with all applicable standards. They confirm it fulfills all requirements specified in state statutes and rules.

Read a sample "acceptance" letter

tall grass next to the water

Incomplete Application Notifications

If your application package is missing any required elements, it is incomplete. We will notify you by mail or email, including names of the missing elements and instructions on how to resubmit your completed application. You must also provide copies of missing or modified elements of application packages to the municipal clerk and to any others required by state statute or rule. We will also copy the municipal clerk in the city or town where your proposed project is located.

Read a sample incompleteness letter

An image of a river next to tall grass

Administrative Completeness Review 

Registrations and notifications that include all required elements are considered administratively complete, identified this way on OneStop, and ready for immediate review. Some types of notifications, including some related to seasonal docks and forestry, also receive confirmatory generic permits by email or paper mail.  

See sample completeness letter

an image of a rock wall next to a pond

Incomplete Registrations and Notifications

Registrations or notifications missing required elements will be considered incomplete and rejected. Examples may include incomplete wetland Permits-By-Notification. Applicants receive notification by email or mail with information on missing elements and how to provide them and resubmit the notification package. Incomplete registrations or notifications are also identified as such on NHDES OneStop.

See sample rejection letter

wetlands plants next to waterCheck Permit Application Status 

Check the status of applications, registrations or notifications in "OneStop" where we also post weekly decision reports.   

Check status

Overlapping Jurisdictions