Environmental Rules in Chicopee, MA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Chicopee, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, a stormwater management plan approved by the Superintendent is required before a permit for multifamily projects of three or more units, projects adding 4,000 sq ft or more of impervious surface, or land disturbance of one acre or more. Civil penalties reach $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, per day.
Chicopee Stormwater Plan Thresholds and Penalties
Significant RestrictionsChicopee Code § 231-3
B. Prior to the issuance of any stormwater management permit for any proposed development listed below, the Superintendent must approve a stormwater management plan or a waiver of the requirement for a stormwater management plan. ... The following uses shall be required to conform with the requirements of this chapter: (1) Multifamily residential developments involving three or more units. (2) ...
Erosion Control
In the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, exposed soil must be stabilized within 14 days after land disturbance stops or pauses for 14 or more days, vegetative cover must be prepared by November 1, perimeter sediment controls are required, and controls must be inspected before and after rain events under § 231-5(C).
Chicopee Construction Erosion and Sediment Controls
Significant RestrictionsChicopee Code § 231-5
(3) Soil stabilization. The time that soil is exposed shall be minimized by stabilizing dormant areas as work progresses. Exposed areas shall be vegetated, hydromulched, protected with erosion control blankets, or otherwise stabilized within 14 days after land disturbance activities have permanently ceased or will be temporarily inactive for 14 or more days. Vegetative cover shall be prepared b...
Flood Zones
In the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, § 275-64 creates a Floodplain Overlay District covering Zone A and Zone AE areas on the Hampden County flood map. All new construction and fill in the floodway is prohibited, and every structure must be fully anchored against flotation and currents.
Chicopee Floodplain Overlay District Rules
Significant RestrictionsChicopee Code § 275-64
A. Purpose. The purpose of the Floodplain District is to promote sound management and appropriate use of land subject to periodic flooding; to protect the public health and safety of persons and property against the hazards of flooding; and to ensure the City's compliance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Insurance Administration so as to assure the City's continued eligibility for ...
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
In the City of Chicopee, the Code sets a five-minute limit on trucks and any other vehicles idling or standing on the entire length of Thaddeus Street. Fines are $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $200 for a third under Chicopee Code § 260-30.1A, added 6-18-1996 by Ord. No. 96-38.
Thaddeus Street Idling Limit in Chicopee
Light RestrictionsChicopee Code § 260-30.1
A. On the entire length of Thaddeus Street, trucks or any vehicles idling or found standing for more than five minutes will be subject to the following fines for each violation: (1) First offense: $50. (2) Second offense: $100. (3) Third offense: $200.
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, § 275-64 requires base flood elevation data for developments over 50 lots or five acres in unnumbered A Zones, requires the site plan to show the base flood elevation, and has the Building Commissioner keep lowest-floor elevation and floodproofing records for public inspection.
Chicopee Base Flood Elevation Requirements
Some RestrictionsChicopee Code § 275-64
(2) Base flood elevation and floodway data. ... (c) Base flood elevation data is required for subdivision proposals or other developments greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser, within unnumbered A Zones. ... (3) When base flood data has not been provided in accordance with Subsection B, the Building Commissioner shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood el...