(a) Before any person constructs, alters, rebuilds, substantially repairs, adds to, replaces or removes any such structure, such person shall apply to the commissioner for a permit to undertake such work. The application for such permit shall be in triplicate, the original of which, with necessary drawings, plans, specifications and other data, shall be submitted to the commissioner, in the form and to the extent required by him. If the commissioner finds that an application is complete, he shall (1) notify the applicant by electronic means or certified mail, return receipt requested, of his intent to grant a permit with or without terms and conditions or to deny a permit for such work, and (2) publish notice of such intention in a newspaper having a general circulation in the area in which the proposed work will take place or have effect. The commissioner shall mail or provide by electronic means notice of such intent to the chief executive officer, the inland wetland agency, and the planning, zoning and conservation commissions of each town in which the work will take place or have effect. The commissioner may hold a hearing prior to approving or denying any application if, in his discretion, the public interest will be best served thereby, and he shall hold a hearing if, within thirty days after such notice has been published, he receives a petition requesting such a hearing signed by at least twenty-five persons. Notice of such hearing shall be published at least thirty days before the hearing in a newspaper having a general circulation in the area in which the work will take place or have effect.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(b) The commissioner or the commissioner’s representative, engineer or consultant shall determine the impact of the construction work on the environment, on the safety of persons and property and on the tidal wetlands and inland wetlands and watercourses of the state in accordance with the provisions of sections 22a-28 to 22a-45, inclusive, and shall further determine the need for a fishway in accordance with the provisions of section 26-136, and shall examine the documents and inspect the site, and, upon approval thereof, the commissioner shall issue a permit authorizing the proposed construction work under such conditions as the commissioner may direct. The commissioner shall send a copy of the permit to the town clerk in any municipality in which the structure is located or any municipality which will be affected by the structure. An applicant for a permit issued under this section to construct a dam for a public drinking water supply shall notify the Commissioner of Public Health of such application. An applicant for a permit issued under this section to alter, rebuild, repair or remove an existing dam shall not be required to obtain a permit under sections 22a-28 to 22a-45a, inclusive, or section 22a-342, 22a-361 or 22a-368. An applicant for a permit issued under this section to construct a new dam shall not be required to obtain a permit under sections 22a-28 to 22a-45a, inclusive, for such construction. An applicant for a dam safety permit shall not be required to obtain approval of a certification under section 25-68d.