Environmental Approvals & Regulatory Permitting

What Is Regulatory Permitting?


The purpose of Building Departments is to assure that construction is completed to an acceptable, safe standard.  Planning & Zoning Departments control Land Use and the conformance that construction follows the regulations defined in the Town Code. To achieve this, proposed construction not only needs to be reviewed and approved by the appointed regulating authorities, but inspected in the field while being assembled, making assurances that the finished work follows town & state guidelines.

 

The construction process can be broken down into two phases: Construction Procurement and Construction Implementation.  Regulatory Permitting is part of the Construction Procurement Phase, which includes all the planning, design and needed approvals from various authorities until achieving a Building Permit. A Building Permit legally enables to contractor to construct their work.     

 

The type of work, extent and location, will define what reviewing authorities need to evaluate and approve the proposed construction. This can be as simple as filling out a short form and being approved the same day, or as complicated and daunting as having to deal with multiple departments, boards and agencies from both town and state authorities, which could take years to before a Building Permit is issued. 

 

If environmental approvals are necessary, that becomes another layer of bureaucracy that needs to be addressed, which often becomes the first approval needed before, Planning, Zoning, Building, Engineering and other departments and agencies get involved. 

 

In short, navigating through the Construction Procurement Phase and obtaining a Building Permit, requires experience and an understanding how to work through the reviewing and approval process. The landscape architect may very well be suited to do this, if the task becomes to extreme, there are other Building Professionals that specialize in obtaining permits, which should be consulted.               



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A gravel path in a garden surrounded by flowers and trees

What Are Environmental Approvals?

Environmental Approvals often relate to work that is proposed in a wetland or the regulated protective buffer area adjoining a wetland. When construction is located near streams, watercourses, lakes, marshes, bays and coastal shorelines, seeking environmental approvals can be expected. 

Generally, the size of the regulated area will determine if it is controlled by town or state agencies. These areas are “sensitive sites” and require the applicant applying for a permit to prove to the regulating authorities that the resulting work both during and post construction will minimize impacts to the protected body. In addition, site mitigation or give back is often required for the developer to include as part of the permitting process. 

 

When presenting these cases, the landscape architect should demonstrate to the governing board or agency officials, that post construction, the site will be improved environmentally, from what it’s condition pre-construction. Achieving this is usually done through mitigation, which may require many different things, and are site specific to the inherent conditions of the protected area.  Examples of mitigation include, removal of invasive plant species, removal of unwanted deposited waste material, improving drainage, creating a permanent extended protective “no mow” buffer, in addition to any existing buffers areas established by the regulating authority, planting the protected area to improve the ecology using native trees, shrubs and perennials, etc. 

 

Other environmental cases, that are not part of a wetland, involve cleanup of toxic sites having contaminated harmful waste deposits. Working in other sensitive areas such as a regulated “Steep Slope”.  Working in a Nature Preserve or in an area defined as an “Environmental Easement”.   

 

In summary, obtaining environmental approvals requires careful thought and planning, to minimize site impacts and protect sensitive areas. Often, mitigation in the form of environmental improvements to the site make it a “win-win” situation for both the regulating agency and the developer.

 

Landscape architects with their understanding of ecology, wetlands, plantings, grading and drainage make excellent candidates for obtaining Environmental Approvals.     

Our Services for Environmental Approvals & Permitting

1. Environmental Impact Assessments
We evaluate potential impacts on the surrounding environment, offering solutions to mitigate any risks while advancing your project.

2. Wetland Delineations & Mitigation Plans
Our team identifies and maps wetland areas, ensuring compliance with regulations while developing strategies to restore or compensate for any impacts.

3. Soil & Water Quality Analysis
We assess site conditions to ensure your project does not adversely affect soil stability or water quality.

4. Habitat Restoration Plans
Where needed, we design and implement plans to restore natural habitats, balancing development with ecological preservation.

5. Zoning & Land Use Permits
We handle applications for zoning variances and other land-use permissions, ensuring your project adheres to local ordinances.

6. Stormwater Management Permits
Our designs include drainage and water management systems that meet regulatory standards and prevent flooding or erosion.

7. Coastal & Floodplain Permits
For properties near water bodies, we ensure compliance with coastal zone management and floodplain development regulations.

Why Choose Robert Schweitzer for Environmental Approvals?

1. Licensed Expertise:
As a licensed landscape architect in both CT and NY, we understand the intricacies of environmental and regulatory requirements.

2. Decades of Experience:
With over three decades of experience, we have successfully managed approvals for projects across Fairfield County and Westchester County.

3. Relationships with Regulators:
Our established relationships with local and state officials streamline the permitting process, saving you time and stress.

4. Comprehensive Solutions:
We handle every aspect of permitting, from preparing applications to addressing agency feedback, so you can focus on your project.

Our Permitting Process

1. Initial Assessment
We review your project goals and evaluate the site to determine the required permits and approvals.

2. Documentation Preparation
Our team compiles all necessary reports, plans, and applications to present to the relevant agencies.

3. Regulatory Liaison
We communicate directly with government agencies, addressing any questions or concerns to expedite the approval process.

4. Compliance Assurance
We ensure your project meets all environmental and legal requirements, avoiding costly delays or penalties.

5. Final Approval
Once permits are secured, we guide the project through implementation with all necessary compliance measures in place.

Benefits of Professional Permitting Services

  • Avoid Delays: Navigate complex regulations efficiently to keep your project on schedule.
  • Protect the Environment: Ensure sustainable practices and compliance with environmental standards.
  • Peace of Mind: Rely on licensed professionals to handle the details, minimizing risks and challenges.
  • Streamlined Process: Benefit from our expertise and established relationships with regulatory agencies.

Service Areas

We provide Environmental Approvals & Regulatory Permitting services to clients in:


  • Fairfield County, CT: Including Ridgefield, Greenwich, Westport, and more.
  • Westchester County, NY: Including Bedford, Scarsdale, Armonk, and surrounding areas.

Ensure Compliance for Your Next Project

At Robert Schweitzer Landscape Architect, we take the complexity out of regulatory compliance, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your project. Let us handle the details while you enjoy a seamless experience.

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