Westport, CT – The Westport Conservation Department will implement a new permit fee structure beginning July 1, 2025, designed to improve transparency, streamline the application process, and better support the town’s wetlands protection efforts.

According to Conservation Director Colin Kelly, “This new fee structure was made to simplify and categorize specific activities for properties that contain wetlands. We found that the previous versions of the fee schedule have proven difficult for the public to interpret. Additionally, as we continue in our efforts to change to online permit software for management of permit applications, we feel there is a need to simplify the fee structure currently in use by our department.”

Protecting Westport’s natural resources: a commitment to sustainable growth

The Westport Conservation Department is committed to promoting sustainable growth by balancing the rights of property owners with the vital need for environmental protection. The department safeguards Westport’s natural resources for future generations.

Key changes to the fee schedule:

• Flat Fees by Project Type: The new schedule replaces the old tiered fee model—based on construction cost—with flat fees based on project type.
  
• Easier Permit Planning: Property owners can now reference a simplified “menu” of permit fees tailored to specific activities.
  
• First Fee Update Since 2015: This is the first fee adjustment in ten years. The last update occurred on July 7, 2015.
  

Kelly added, “While we acknowledge these new fees will represent a slight increase, we feel they should not become too costly for the average homeowner. We are also mindful that fees should not become prohibitive in that they deter people from applying (and therefore may be more apt to build illegally).”

Contact information:

For additional details or questions about the new fee schedule, please contact the Westport Conservation Department:
📧 Email: ckelly@westportct.gov
📍 Address: 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT
📞 Phone: (203) 341-1170
🌐 Website: Westport Conservation Department