A Simplified License may be issued for a maximum term of 15 years, which may be eligible for renewal upon request by the licensee and review by the Department.
- This page, WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal, is offered by
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
Contacts
MassDEP Waterways Program
EEA ePLACE Help Desk
Phone
ePLACE Help Desk
Call EEA ePLACE Help Desk, ePLACE Help Desk at 844-733-7522
Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.
The Details of WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
What you need for WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
This application process has changed. Do not generate a transmittal number for this application type.
Please read all the instructions before initiating this process; do not use the old application form or public notice forms. The Application Form (Proof of Signature) that is required to be signed by the applicant(s) and property owner(s) will be generated by the online system and emailed to you to be executed after the Public Comment Period and after you submit the online Simplified License application.
The Simplified License procedures apply to certain projects involving small residential structures which do not qualify for the General License Certification. Most applicants should be able to complete and file the Chapter 91 Simplified License application without the need for professional assistance.
Prerequisite Actions for WW 06 Chapter 91 Simplified License & WW 12 Simplified License Renewal
WW06 – Simplified Applications:
The pre-application filing is required to be completed prior to initiating the public-notice process and submittal of the WW24 application. Please go to the Pre-Application Information page (link below) and complete that process before proceeding.
Pre-application form for WW24 General License Certification and WW06 Simplified License Application
WW12 – Simplified License Renewal Applications:
To renew a Simplified License, the structure(s)/fill must remain sound and conform to plans approved with the existing license. A renewal application must be filed prior to the expiration of the original license. This includes eligible Interim Approvals issued under the amnesty provisions in 310 CMR 9.28.
The first step for a WW 12 is to “claim” the issued WW 06 Simplified license which creates a record in the EEA ePLACE system for licenses that existed prior to the online licensing process. Please review the information and instructions for the “claim authorization” and complete that process before proceeding.
Chapter 91 ePLACE Claim Authorization Instructions
EEA Claim Authorization Instructions
The Simplified License is applicable for:
- a proposed structure
- an existing unauthorized structure and/or pre-1984 fill
- certain previously licensed structures in need of a renewed authorization
The Chapter 91 regulations specify that if a structure meets the eligibility requirements of the General License Certification, it is required to be authorized through that process – please complete the Pre-Application process to verify which process should be used for your project.
The Public Notice and project plans are prepared, published, and distributed by the applicant prior to initiating the online application process.
Fees for WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
Do not generate a transmittal number for this application type.
If you pay by mail to the Lock Box, please include the Application Number provided by the ePLACE system (e.g. YY-WW06-XXXX-APP) on your check.
The application fee in the amount of $75 for the WW06 and $35 for the WW12 is due at the time of submittal of the application. In addition to the application fee, certain structures are subject to Commonwealth Occupation and Displacement Fees. After review of the application, staff will calculate the additional fees and request the amount due, if any.
How to apply WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
Apply online through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts EEA ePLACE Citizen Access Portal.
Next steps for WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
-
Review the Instructions and Complete Pre-Filing Actions
- Read these instructions for a step-by-step guide to the appropriate application process.
- Complete the Public Notice publication and mailing (WW06) or Notification (WW12) as described in the instructions.
The templates for the Public Notice, Municipal Notification, and project plans are available in the instruction documents. The Public Notice and Municipal Notification templates are also linked below.
Do not initiate the online application process until after 30 days from the publication of the public notice and completion of the mailing for the WW 06 or submittal of the renewal notification to local agencies for the WW 12. - Prepare all Supporting Documents as described in the Instructions.
Open PDF file, 405.37 KB, WW06 Instructions (English, PDF 405.37 KB)Open PDF file, 420.92 KB, WW12 Instructions (English, PDF 420.92 KB)Complete the Application Form
The application form and all supporting documents are to be filed electronically. The EEA ePLACE instructions provide guidance for the online process.
For technical assistance regarding online filing, contact the EEA ePLACE Help Desk Team at 1-844-733-7522 or ePLACE_helpdesk@mass.gov.
Open PDF file, 2.9 MB, WW06 ePLACE Instructions: Simplified License (English, PDF 2.9 MB)Open PDF file, 2.59 MB, WW06 ePLACE Instructions: License Amendment (English, PDF 2.59 MB)Open PDF file, 2.5 MB, WW06 ePLACE Instructions: License Renewal (English, PDF 2.5 MB)Open PDF file, 1.38 MB, WW12 ePLACE Instructions (English, PDF 1.38 MB)Submit your Application and Fee Payment
- File online via the EEA ePlace Portal.
- For additional guidance on navigating the EEA ePLACE Portal, please follow this link - EEA ePLACE Portal Instruction Documents
- You will have the option to pay online by credit card or automated clearing house (ACH) or pay by mail. If you select the pay-by-mail option, instructions on how to do so will be provided when you submit your online application.
Please note: You will be sent a "Proof of Signature" form via email that is required to be executed by all applicants and property owners and uploaded to the online application file.
The Waterways Program will advise of any pending items or fees required for a complete application.
Post-Licensing Activities
The Waterways Program will issue the Draft and/or Final Simplified License.
Once issued, the Simplified License must be recorded against the chain of title for the property at the appropriate Registry of Deeds within 60 days of issuance, and the recording information provided to the Department.
Submit the Compliance Statement or a copy of the Certificate of Compliance for the Order of Conditions.
Open PDF file, 923.21 KB, ePlace Waterways Recording Information Amendment (English, PDF 923.21 KB)Open DOCX file, 14.85 KB, WW06 Public Notice template (English, DOCX 14.85 KB)Open DOCX file, 21.85 KB, WW06 Simplified License Conditions (English, DOCX 21.85 KB)More info for WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
If you have a dock, pier, or other structure located on an inland (non-tidal) waterbody that is not on the Great Pond list and is not located in a jurisdictional river or stream you do not need a Chapter 91 License. See the list of Great Ponds provided here.
Downloads for WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
Open PDF file, 163.51 KB, Massachusetts Great Ponds List (English, PDF 163.51 KB)Open PDF file, 127.92 KB, Chapter 91 WW 06/WW 12 Simplified License Application/Renewal Information (English, PDF 127.92 KB)Contact for WW 06, 12: Chapter 91 Simplified License & License Renewal
Phone
ePLACE Help Desk Call EEA ePLACE Help Desk, ePLACE Help Desk at 844-733-7522Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.
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