WPA Form 1: Request for Determination of Applicability

This process helps an applicant find out if the Wetlands Protection Act applies to a site or proposed activity in a wetland area.

MassDEP Wetlands Program

The Details of WPA Form 1: Request for Determination of Applicability

What you need for WPA Form 1: Request for Determination of Applicability

The Request for Determination of Applicability provides applicants with the option of seeking a determination whether the Wetlands Protection Act applies to a proposed site or activity. Before filing this form to confirm the boundary delineation of a resource area, the applicant should discuss other delineation review options with the Conservation Commission. The Commission may require submittal of an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (WPA Form 4A), Notice of Intent (WPA Form 3), or Abbreviated Notice of Intent (WPA Form 4)

The applicant is responsible for providing the information required for the review of this application to the permit issuing authority (Conservation Commission or MassDEP). Submitting a complete and accurate description of the site and project will minimize requests for additional information that may result in an unnecessary delay in the issuance of an Order of Conditions.

To complete this form, the applicant should refer to the Wetlands Regulations, 310 CMR 10.00. An unofficial copy is linked below. Official copies of the regulations are available for purchase from the Massachusetts State Bookstore. Public libraries and county law libraries across the state also have copies of the regulations. MassDEP's Regional Service Centers have copies for review as well.

Fees for WPA Form 1: Request for Determination of Applicability

There is no application fee for the Request for Determination of Applicability. However, a notice of the application must be placed in a local newspaper, and published at least 5 days prior to the hearing, at the applicant's expense. Please contact your Conservation Commission for the public-notice procedure. 

How to apply WPA Form 1: Request for Determination of Applicability

The completed form and any attachments must be submitted to the Conservation Commission, and a copy sent to the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office. See details in Step 3 below.

Next steps for WPA Form 1: Request for Determination of Applicability

  1. Review the instructions

    Guidance on how to prepare your application.

  2. Complete the Application Form

    You may fill out and save the form on your computer. The PDF requires an electronic signature.

  3. Mail Your Application

    For Conservation Commission:

    Submit one (1) copy of the completed Request for Determination of Applicability, with all attachments, to the local Conservation Commission.

    For MassDEP:

    Submit one (1) copy of the completed Request for Determination of Applicability, with all attachments, to the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office.

    Other

    If the property owner is different from the applicant, send one (1) copy of the completed Request for Determination of Applicability, with all attachments, to the property owner. 

Contact for WPA Form 1: Request for Determination of Applicability

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