What is a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA)?

RDAs are used for small projects outside jurisdictional wetland resource areas where the applicant requests the Conservation Commission to determine if the Wetlands Protection Act or the Town Wetland Bylaw is applicable to the proposed work activity or to the work zone.

Prior to altering existing conditions or conducting work within the jurisdictional buffer zone (usually between 50-100 feet from the resource) a RDA should be filed.  Minor projects with proper protective measures (such as mulch sock) that are outside the 50-ft resource buffer and that pose no risk of potential adverse impact to adjacent resource areas, may be dispositioned using a RDA.  

Minor projects may include construction of a deck, repair to an existing Title 5 system or other minor projects located between 50-100 feet from any resource.  Work in resource areas or the 50-ft resource buffer almost always requires filing a Notice of Intent.