The Department of Environmental Conservation made important changes to freshwater wetlands regulations starting January 1. If you have wetlands on your property, it’s a good idea to check the new maps before starting any projects.
No matter if your property is on the wetlands map or not, you will need a permit for building decks, house extensions, dams, and similar structures. This could impact homebuyers significantly. Shannon Rangel, a licensed real estate salesperson, mentioned that these changes might lower property values. Buyers will also face more hurdles with permits for any necessary repairs or construction.
If you’re unsure about whether your land has regulated wetlands, you need to fill out a jurisdiction determination form. Krista Sphor, an outreach coordinator, acknowledged that this is a major adjustment for property owners. Once you submit the form, the DEC has 90 days to approve or deny your permit request. This added step may frustrate those in the real estate market.
Rangel believes that both buyers and sellers are likely to find this situation upsetting. Buyers may be concerned that their newly purchased property could lose value due to the expanded wetland regulations.
Currently, the DEC oversees areas larger than 12.4 acres, but by 2028, this will change to include any areas larger than 7.4 acres. This tightening of regulations means more properties will require permits than before.
For additional details, you can visit the DEC website or email questions to their office.
Check out this related article: Exploring the Golden Gate Biosphere: How Bay Area Scientists Are Tackling Environmental Challenges and Uncovering New Opportunities
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