Inland Wetlands Commission

Regular Meeting Schedule for 2024

7:00 PM, Town Hall, Room 205

Please check calendar for possible date, time and room location changes.

Commission Members

Mission/General Information

Membership: Six members and a panel of three alternates are elected for four year terms on a rotating basis. Meets monthly; frequent site visits. One IWC member is required to complete a comprehensive training program of the State Commissioner of Environmental Protection.

Power and Duties: Perform the duties prescribed in the State’s General Statutes; Issues regulations necessary to protect, preserve, maintain and use Southbury’s wetlands and watercourses in accordance with the standards set by federal, state and local authorities. IWC is empowered to minimize pollution and prevent damage from erosion, siltation, loss of fish, wildlife, vegetation and natural habitats and to protect potable freshwater supplies. Goal is to balance economic growth and land use with the need to protect the environment and ecology.

Additionally, the Southbury Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency (SIWWA) is to protect the citizens of the Town by making provisions for the protection, preservation, maintenance and the use of the inland wetlands and watercourses by minimizing their disturbance and pollution; maintaining and improving water quality in accordance with the highest standards set by federal, state or local authority, preventing damage from erosion, turbidity or siltation; preventing loss of fish and other beneficial aquatic organisms, wildlife and vegetation and the destruction of the natural habitats; deterring and inhibiting the danger of flood and pollution; protecting the quality of wetlands and watercourse for their conservation, economic, aesthetic, recreational and other public and potable uses and values; and protecting the towns potable fresh water supply.

The commission regulates wetlands, watercourses, open water bodies plus a setback area. Setbacks are 50 feet from wetlands, watercourses, ponds and 100 feet from Bullet Hill Brook, Eight Mile Brook, Transylvania Brook, Pomperaug River, Shepaug River, Lake Lillinonah, Housatonic River and Lake Zoar. In Connecticut, wetlands are classified by soil types. The ideal goal when planning your project is for zero wetlands disturbance. 

Copies of the Inland Wetlands Regulations ($10.00) and Wetland Map ($3.00) are available in the office during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street South, room 205 at 7:00 pm (unless otherwise posted).

Land use department staff provide support to the commission and carry out the daily activities such as processing applications and investigating complaints as well as reviewing and proposing regulation revisions.

Meeting Materials, Agendas and Minutes