Frequently Asked Questions

I am looking to purchase a property in Ashland, is it in a floodplain?   
There are a few tools available to the public to use.  You can try PeopleGIS or MassMapper

If you are having trouble, you can always call the Conservation Agent. 

Please note that if the property that you are looking to purchase falls within a floodplain, it will also constitute protection under the Wetlands Protection Act and Bylaw.   Any work that you want to do within it, that will dredge, fill, alter or remove that area, would require permitting from the Ashland Conservation Commission.

What is the difference between resource areas and their regulations?

This document provides a summary of most of the resource areas within downtown Ashland, and breaks down the regulations by the area it affects. For more details, or resource areas that aren't listed, you can review the regulations themselves, or ask the Conservation Agent for clarification. The regulations which the Conservation Commission enforces include: 

  • 310 CMR 10.00 (The Wetlands Protection Act)
  • M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8 (The Conservation Commission Act)
  • Ashland Town Code Section 280 (Wetlands Protection Bylaw) 
  • Ashland Town Code Chapter 348 (Wetlands Protection Regulations)

I have an older permit (Order of Conditions) on my property, and I have been told that I need to close it out or get a Certificate of Compliance.  How do I go about doing this?

You will need to submit a WPA 8A Form: Request for Certificate of Compliance.  You will also need to submit a letter from an engineer, or surveyor, an as-built plan and a check to the Town of Ashland.   For a single family lot, the check is $100.00.  For any other projects or lots, the check is $250.00.  These must be submitted two weeks in advance of the desired meeting date.

Once these items are submitted, the Conservation Agent, or a Commissioner Member, must do a site inspection at the property.  Once this is done, the Agent or Commissioner Member will schedule the Request at the next meeting.

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