Environmental Rules in Springfield, MA

Springfield maintains 135 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with environmental rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Springfield falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Stormwater Management

Springfield requires a stormwater management permit before larger construction projects: commercial buildings over 5,000 square feet or sites disturbing an acre or more.

Key details: Authority: DPW as Stormwater Authority. Trigger: ≥5,000 sq ft new commercial floor area. Trigger: Land disturbance ≥1 acre. Adopted: 9-9-2013.

Starting land clearing, grading or development covered by § 336-6 without a permit or waiver exposes the owner to civil and criminal enforcement by the Stormwater Authority under § 336-8.

Flood Elevation Requirements

Springfield, Massachusetts requires a Board of Appeals special permit for any construction in its Floodplain Overlay District, and applicants must document the mean sea level elevation of the lowest habitable floor and any flood-proofing before building in a FEMA-mapped Zone A or AE area of Hampden County.

Key details: District: FEMA Zone A / AE areas. Permit required: Special Permit, Board of Appeals. FIRM date: June 7, 2023, Hampden County. Large subdivisions: BFE data needed over 50 lots/5 acres. Mobile homes: Prohibited in Floodplain District.

Building without the required special permit or elevation documentation is a zoning violation: a $100 fine for a first offense, $300 for each repeat offense, with every day of noncompliance counted as a separate offense (§ 11.1.21).

This is one of the stricter rules in Springfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Flood Zones

Any construction or land-disturbing activity in Springfield's Floodplain Overlay District, new buildings, additions, fences, sheds, paving, or grading, needs a permit under Section 8.4.41, plus a Special Permit application to the Board of Appeals under Section 8.4.42.

Key details: Covers: Zone A/AE FIRM areas (6/7/2023). Permit required for: nearly all development. Special Permit authority: Board of Appeals. Administered by: Building Commissioner. Fine: $100 first, $300 repeat offense.

Building without the required floodplain permit is a zoning violation citywide, punishable under Section 11.1.21 by a fine of not more than $100 for a first offense and $300 for each later offense, with each day a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Springfield takes a harder line on flood zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Erosion Control

Any construction disturbing an acre or more, or meeting other size thresholds, needs a Stormwater Management Permit from Springfield's Stormwater Authority before grading, earth moving, or land clearing begins, under Chapter 336 of the City Code.

Key details: Permit issuer: Stormwater Authority / DPW. Disturbance trigger: 1 acre or more. Commercial trigger: 5,000 sq ft floor area. Parking trigger: 10 or more spaces. Multifamily trigger: 4 or more units.

Starting land clearing, grading, or earth moving without the required permit or waiver violates § 336-6 and is enforceable by the Stormwater Authority through civil and criminal remedies under § 336-8 of the City Code.

The Bottom Line

Springfield is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Springfield, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Springfield can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.