Should You Get a Wetland Delineation or a Wetland Reconnaissance?
Whether you’re planning to build a new home or expand an existing one, an accurate assessment of any wetlands or streams on your property (aka: critical areas) is essential to the success of your project. You generally have two options for evaluation: a wetland delineation or a wetland reconnaissance.
Let’s break down what’s right for your project:
When to Get a Wetland Delineation
You have the real estate. You’re ready to build a new house or an addition to an existing house. You are champing at the bit to make your dream a reality, but there’s one minor hitch in your giddy-up: you suspect, or maybe you know, there are streams and/or wetlands on your property.
We hate to be a wet(land) blanket, but in most cases, you can’t build in or near a wetland or stream (or the surrounding buffer areas) without a permit from the city or county. To meet local, state, and federal regulations, you’ll need to know where those boundaries are — and how much space needs to be protected (buffer widths) — before you can can build.
Vegetation, soils, and hydrology are analyzed to assess critical areas.
When to Get a Wetland Reconnaissance
You’re shopping for the real estate, but the complexities of land use regulations are hindering your dream and your bit champing - you suspect or know there are wetlands, streams, or shorelines on or near the property. You may decide to hire a professional to help you navigate potential permitting restrictions.
A wetland reconnaissance is a general site assessment to establish whether any wetlands, streams, or shorelines are present on a property.
If no wetlands or streams are found, you’ll receive a report confirming their absence. This report may be used for permitting purposes.
If a wetland is found, you’ll receive a report that describes its general location and the estimated buffer size and can assist you in deciding if the property suits your needs. This report cannot be used for permitting - you’ll need the full delineation to determine the impacts your project may have on wetlands or streams.
A wetland or stream delineation is a thorough investigation that shows exactly where any critical areas are on your property.
The critical areas are flagged, mapped, then presented in a report you can use for permitting and site layout. The letter-style report includes a discussion of your jurisdiction’s regulations - including setbacks and standard buffer widths.
Summary: Wetland Delineation vs. Reconnaissance
Wetland Delineation
Required by local jurisdictions when critical areas (wetlands, streams, and shorelines) are present
Usually required if prior delineation study is 5+ years old
Detailed analysis of critical area types, boundaries, and buffer widths present on-site
Wetland or stream boundaries are flagged for survey
Client receives:
A report that may be used for permitting
Wetland determination and rating forms
A sketch or GPS map with flagged locations of wetland boundaries
Wetland Reconnaissance
Useful for those considering property purchase
Quick determination verifying whether critical areas are present (no flags hung)
Client receives:
Report describing presence or absence of wetlands
If wetlands are present, report may not be used for permitting
If wetlands are absent, report may be used for permitting
Sketch of estimated wetland and stream boundaries, if present
Still Bogged Down?
Our team of Professional Wetland Scientists are here to help you unmuddy the waters!