Home → Land Resources → Permits, Licenses, Certifications → PBR, MCGP
Permit By Rule (NRPA)
The Land Bureau has developed an online licensing system which is applicable for all Land Licenses except Mining and Hydropower. Access the licensing system MELS Hub.
Quick Links
- NRPA Permit By Rule Sections
- How to Submit a PBR Notification to DEP
- Public Notice Instructions and Certification Form (pdf)
- Notice of Intent to File - NRPA PBR (pdf)
- How to File PBR Notification through MELS
- Natural Resources Protection Act web page
- Fee Schedule (pdf)
- DEP Payment Portal
- Online & In-person Training
Permit-by-Rule regulations (Chapter 305) apply to certain activities covered under the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA). The regulations identify activities taking place in or adjacent to protected natural resources that should not significantly affect the environment if carried out according to the standards contained in the regulations. A person proposing to do work that qualifies for Permit-by-Rule (PBR) is required to file notice with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) instead of preparing an individual permit application.
Please note the following recent updates to the NRPA PBR application process:
- Public notice must be mailed to abutters and the municipal office.
- The PBR processing time is 20 working days from the date of submission.
- Some coastal shoreline stabilization projects are now eligible for PBR (please see Section 8).
Activities eligible for Permit-by-Rule
The following activities may be eligible for Permit By Rule. Projects must meet applicability, submission, and standards specific to each section.
Determine which section(s) may apply to your project:
NRPA Permit By Rule Sections
Chapter 305 Permit By Rule (All Sections)
1. (Introduction, Notification, Effective Period, Enforcement)
2. Activities Adjacent to Protected Natural Resources
3. Intake pipes & water monitoring devices
5. (REPEALED)
6. Movement of rocks or vegetation
8A. Increasing the Height of a Vertical Seawall or Retaining Wall in a Coastal Wetland
9. Crossings (utility lines, pipes and cables)
10. Stream crossings (bridges, culverts and fords)
11. State Transportation Facilities
12. Restoration of natural areas
13. Habitat creation or enhancement and water quality improvement activities
14. (REPEALED)
How to Submit a PBR Notification to DEP
STEP 1
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DETERMINE APPLICABLE PERMIT-BY-RULE SECTION(S) |
Permit-by-Rule regulations (Chapter 305) apply to certain activities covered under the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA). Find the section for your type of proposed activity in the Chapter 305 standards above. |
|---|---|---|
STEP 2
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REVIEW CHAPTER 305 SECTION STANDARDS |
For each section selected, read Applicability that describes in further detail which activities are included and where they are allowed. Read and comply with all the standards contained in the section. |
STEP 3
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COLLECT SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS, LOG INTO, APPLY, AND PAY IN MELS | |
STEP 4
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THE PBR IS EFFECTIVE AFTER 20 WORKING DAYS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT | The PBR becomes effective 20 working days from the date the Department receives the full submission (email notification and fee), unless the Department approves or denies the PBR prior to that date |
NOTE: The PBR becomes effective 20 working days from the date the Department receives the full submission, unless otherwise notified by the Department.
- Submissions after 5:00 pm or on a weekend/holiday will deemed received the next business day.
- Electronic payment is preferred, however, if you must pay by check, then you may assume the Department received a check sent by mail three days after the date it was mailed.
- Work may begin once the PBR is effective, unless an additional DEP permit is required.
Natural Resources Protection Act web page
Fee Schedule
Online & In-person Training
How to Submit a PBR Notification through MELS
The Department now requires electronic submission of PBR notifications through the MELS Hub.