[Descant]

Location. location, location. Re: installation of house driveway or septic. These all require approved plans/permits, often from both DES and your town. DES will often refer an application to the local Conservation Commission for a local opinion. Most CC's meet once a month, so this can add time to the permit process. It should be free to call somebody on the CC and have them walk the property with you. Note that a driveway can be either pervious or impervious and location and drainage are important. Same with a patio.

For most purposes, grass/lawn is not good ground cover and the CC may be getting calls from your neighbors.