New Britain, CT Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

The city plan commission acts as the city's inland wetlands agency under Sec. 19-24 and administers Sec. 19-25's Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Regulations, adopted under G.S. Secs. 22a-36 through 22a-45. Subsection (d)(1) of Sec. 19-25 lists uses permitted "as of right" in a regulated wetland or watercourse, including farming, an already-permitted residential home, and "boat anchorage or mooring," but that same clause specifically excludes dredging and dock construction from the as-of-right allowance. Because a dock is not on the as-of-right or nonregulated-use lists, Sec. 19-25(f) requires anyone proposing it to first obtain a permit from the city plan commission before conducting the "regulated activity." An application under Sec.

19-25(g) must use the commission's own form, describe the affected wetland or watercourse area in acres or square feet, list soil types and vegetation, name adjacent owners, and pay a $50 filing fee, rising by an added $100 if a public hearing is required. The commission must act within 65 days of receiving a complete application, or within 35 days after closing a public hearing if one is held; a granted permit lasts three years and must be used within one year or it expires.

If the commission denies the permit, or grants it with conditions the applicant will not meet, the applicant may modify and reapply, but a flatly denied permit cannot be resubmitted unless the proposal materially changes. Anyone who dredges or builds a dock without that permit is subject to a written cease-and-desist order and a hearing within 10 days under Sec. 19-25(m), with possible referral for other legal remedies.