Environmental Rules in Framingham, MA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Framingham, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Framingham, Zoning § 435-33 requires development to meet NPDES MS4 and MassDEP stormwater standards, keep runoff off wetlands and sensitive areas, and avoid increasing runoff rate, concentration or velocity onto abutting properties.
Framingham Stormwater Management Standards
Significant RestrictionsFramingham City Code § 435-33A(1), § 435-33C(1)(b) and § 435-33D(5)
The primary purpose and intent of this section is to ensure municipal compliance with all requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit for stormwater discharges from small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Stormwater Management Standards promulgated by the Massachu...
Erosion Control
In the City of Framingham, projects disturbing an acre or more must follow Land Disturbance and Stormwater Management (LDSM) erosion controls under Zoning § 435-33, hay bales are banned as an erosion measure, and a $5,000-or-20% performance bond secures compliance.
Framingham Erosion & Sediment Control Rules
Significant RestrictionsFramingham City Code § 435-33B(1)(a), § 435-33C(1)(f), § 435-33D(3) and § 435-33E(2)
The disturbance of land area equal to or greater than one acre; ... The use of hay bales is not permitted for erosion and sediment control. Erosion and sediment controls should be consistent with the City's construction standards. ... During construction, temporary erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be employed in accordance with the approved plan and the BMP until a disturbed are...
Flood Zones
In the City of Framingham, land in FEMA Zone A or AE on the Middlesex County Flood Insurance Rate Map sits in an overlay Floodplain District. Any development there needs a Building Commissioner permit, and new or expanded housing normally allowed by right needs a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Framingham Floodplain District Rules
Significant RestrictionsFramingham City Code § 435-17.A, B
Establishment of districts. The Floodplain District is herein established as an overlay district. The district includes all special flood hazard areas within Framingham designated as Zone A and AE on the Middlesex County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). ... All proposed...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Framingham requires new and substantially improved buildings in the Floodplain District to be elevated to or above the base flood level, with residential lowest floors (including the basement) elevated and nonresidential buildings elevated or floodproofed, certified by a registered engineer, architect, or surveyor.
Framingham Base Flood Elevation Rules
Significant RestrictionsFramingham City Code § 435-17.C(3), (5), (6), E
The boundary of the special flood hazard area and the regulatory floodway shall be drawn on a plan of the site, which shall also include contour lines at a maximum of two-foot intervals. Base flood elevation on this site plan shall be certified by a registered professional engineer, architect, or surveyor. ... For any building to be occupied as a residence, certification by a registered profess...