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Staff to prepare redline changes to Worcester wetlands ordinance; commission seeks stricter third‑party review limits and longer extensions
Summary
Worcester city staff will draft redline revisions to the local Wetlands Protection Ordinance after the commission asked for updates including removal of certain exemptions, alignment with state extension limits, and raising or removing the cap on third‑party review fees.
The Worcester Conservation Commission asked city staff on Oct. 20 to prepare a redline update to the City of Worcester Wetlands Protection Ordinance and Regulations addressing items the commission raised during prior meetings.
Why it matters: changes to the local ordinance would adjust how the city implements and enforces wetlands protections, including the commission’s ability to require third‑party reviews, to set permit extension periods, and to handle exemptions.
What was discussed: - Staff said a Word‑format version of the ordinance had been obtained and that they would prepare proposed edits to reflect the commission’s prior direction. Specific proposals discussed included removing certain exemptions already covered by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, extending the local maximum permit extension from one year to three years to align with state practice, and removing or increasing the existing cap on third‑party review costs (currently $2,500) so that actual consultant costs can be recovered.
- Commissioners noted desire for stronger enforcement tools; staff confirmed some ideas (for example, large fines) are not available at the local level but said staff would bring forward ordinance language to implement changes that are permissible under state law and city rules.
Next steps: staff will prepare a marked‑up ordinance and return to the commission for feedback. If the commission endorses changes, the draft would be submitted to City Council for ordinance amendment and subsequent rulemaking if needed.
