Frequently Asked Questions

In accordance with the Town of Mansfield’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Regulations, an application for an inland wetlands license must be obtained when a regulated activity is conducted in or within 150 feet of a wetland or watercourse. 

Contact Jennifer Kaufman, Senior Planner/Inland Wetlands Agent at 860-429-3335 or KaufmanJS@MansfieldCT.org with questions or assistance with which type of application applies to your project.

Agent Approval Application-If you are conducting a smaller project in the upland review area that has no or minimal impact on a wetland (e.g. shed, deck, or a single family dwelling) you may qualify for this type of application.  Apply for a Planning Permit, select Wetlands License, then select subcase Inland Wetlands-Agent.

APPLICATIONS REVIEWED BY THE INLAND WETLANDS AGENCY

• Link to inland Wetlands-IWA Application- Reviewed by the Inland Wetlands Agency (IWA), these applications are for larger activities that may have greater than minimal impact on the wetlands or watercourses.  
• Link to request Jurisdictional Ruling-Certain activities outlined in section 4.0 of the Regulations may be permitted as of right. You must complete an application to request a determination from the Inland Wetlands Agency as to whether your activity is within the Inland Wetland Agency’s jurisdiction. Apply for a Planning Permit, select Wetlands License, then select subcase Inland Wetlands-Agent.
• Link to the Application to Change or Amend the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Map

A site plan must be submitted for all applications detailing the location of the proposed activity.  Download sketch map/site plan guidelines by following this link.  

To determine the application fee, follow this link.

Other important information

• Applications reviewed by the Inland Wetlands Agency must be submitted three (3) business days prior to the IWA meeting in order for your application materials to be included in the IWA agenda packet.
• All Inland Wetlands-IWA applications are referred to the Conservation Commission for review.
• The Agency will conduct a publicly noticed field trip to the site to review existing conditions and the location of the proposed activity. The applicant or a representative should be present to explain the proposal and answer questions.
• Once an application is received, and if no public hearing is required, then the IWA has 65 days to render a decision.

Contact Jennifer Kaufman, Senior Planner/Inland Wetlands Agent at 860-429-3335 or KaufmanJS@MansfieldCT.org with questions.

Links and Resources

Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions

Please review our Summary of Zoning Regulations related to Residential Accessory Structures for information on permit and setback requirements for sheds, pools, greenhouses, etc. accessory to residential dwellings.  Questions should be directed to planzonedept@mansfieldct.org.

Accessory dwelling units are permitted in the R-20, R-90 and RAR-90 zoning districts.  For more information on specific requirements and the permitting process, please review the Accessory Dwelling Unit Permitting Information 

Guide.  

The number of unrelated adults that can live in a dwelling unit is regulated by the definition of family in the Mansfield Zoning Regulations. Three (3) unrelated adults can live in a rental unit established on or after August 15, 2010, while rental units established prior to that date are allowed four (4) unrelated adults. The definition also provides exceptions to those maximums for functional families and those that qualify for “reasonable accommodation” under the Americans with Disabilities and Fair Housing Acts.

If you have questions regarding the maximum occupancy of a specific unit, please email planzonedept@mansfieldct.org for information.