What is an RDA and NOI?

Conservation Commissions review projects that are in or near wetland resource areas or within the 100 foot buffer zone. Most often projects will come before you as either a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) or a Notice of Intent (NOI).

An RDA determines if a project is subject to the Wetlands Regulations or will not have a negative impact to the wetland. After reviewing the information, visiting the site, and conducting a public meeting, the Conservation Commission issues either a “Negative” or “Positive” Determination of Applicability (DOA). Given a negative determination, the project may go forward; given a positive determination, the applicant must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI). The permit from an NOI is called an Order of Conditions (OOC).

Other types of permit applications include an Abbreviated Notice of Intent and Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation. Commissions also receive requests for an Emergency Certification or Certificate of Compliance.