Frequently Asked Questions

The Order of Conditions is broken down into three sections: 

1) Pre-Construction Conditions;
2) Construction Conditions; and
3) Post-Construction Conditions. The Post-Construction Conditions section is important to note as it outlines conditions that will be valid for future use of the property, regardless of ownership. 

Violation of the Order of Conditions can result in enforcement action, a cease-and-desist order, and fines and penalties, so care should be taken to understand each requirement.

The Conservation Commission has 21 days to issue the Order of Conditions under state and local wetlands laws. Following the issuance date, a 10-business day appeal period ensues during which time an abutter, an aggrieved party, including the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) can appeal the Conservation Commission’s decision. Appeals must be based on procedural matters or whether the Conservation Commission upheld the intent of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act or the Amesbury Wetlands Protection Ordinance. No work on the site(s) may occur during the 10-day appeal period.  

There are six steps that need to be completed once the 10-day appeal period is over, and before construction can begin:

1. Record the Order of Conditions on the property owner’s deed at the Essex South Registry of Deeds in Salem, MA. Typically, it is a $105 fee to the Registry for recording plus online fees.  Proof of the recorded Order of the Conditions must be submitted to the Conservation Agent before a Pre-Construction Site Visit can occur (see #5 below). 
2. Install a free-standing sign showing the MA DEP file number on site which is visible from the road. Please do not install the sign on a living tree. The sign must be no smaller than 2 feet and no bigger than 3 feet. The file number will be provided to you.  
3. Install erosion control on site as specified on the plans before the Pre-Construction Site Visit occurs.
4. Provide a list of the name, address, and phone number of a contact person responsible for the Order of Conditions, and for all parties involved in the project. 
5. Notify the Conservation Agent to schedule a Pre-Construction Site Visit. The site visit with the will be held before any work is conducted and after items 1-4 (above) are complete. You, your consultant (if you have one), and other people involved in the project should be invited to attend.  Other city officials may be invited who have an interest in your project such as the Planning Director, Building Inspector, City Engineer, or Director of Public Works may also attend.  Their presence is intended to streamline the permitting process and make them aware of your project.  

Complete the Pre-Construction Conditions. Once all of the Pre-Construction Conditions and Site Visit follow up items have been addressed, contact the Conservation Agent a minimum of 72-hours in advance of starting construction. 

The Order of Conditions is valid for three years from the original date of issuance, except where otherwise specified. Requests for extensions must be received at least 30-days prior to the expiration date. 

Any deviation from the approved plans or requirements in the Order of Conditions will require approval from the Amesbury Conservation Commission before the changes can commence. 

Once the project has been completed, you must submit a Request for a Certificate of Compliance (WPA Form 8A). An application can be found on the Conservation Commission’s webpage. Once the Amesbury Conservation Commission has approved the request and issues a Certificate of Compliance (WPA Form 8B), it must be recorded at the Essex South Registry of Deeds to remove the encumbrance on the property title.