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).
- For help using the Natural Heritage Bureau's DataCheck tool before you apply, please watch this short video.
- For help with other questions or permitting tips, please use this short video playlist, refer to our frequently asked questions or consider requesting technical assistance.
- Please also feel free to reach us at lrm@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2147 and ask for the Inspector of the Day.
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
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.
Acceptance 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.
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.
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.
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.
Check Permit Application Status
Check the status of applications, registrations or notifications in "OneStop" where we also post weekly decision reports.
Overlapping Jurisdictions
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
For proposed projects that overlap with USACE jurisdiction, please refer to the New Hampshire General Permit (GP) and Corps Secondary Impacts Checklist (Appendix B) to help minimize duplication between state and federal reviews. -
New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (NHDHR)
Some wetland permits require applicants to consult with the State Historic Preservation Office to prevent adverse impacts on properties listed on, determined to be eligible for listing on, or potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. These may include previously unknown historic sites within a project area. Please send a Request for Project Review to the state Division of Historical Resources.
Wetland Permit Applications: Tips for Your Planning and Design Phase
If you are a New Hampshire agent or homeowner in the planning and design phase of a proposed project in or near wetlands, here are some tips on getting better project results when filing your standard dredge and fill wetlands permit application. (Runtime 5:50)
Filing Wetland Permits-by-Notification (PBNs) Electronically
Top benefits of electronic filing include the ability to pay by credit card or electronic check.