Brockton, MA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Under City Code § 23-158, anyone disturbing an area of one-quarter acre or more, or triggering the other thresholds described in the Manual, must file a Land Disturbance Permit application with the Stormwater Authority before starting clearing, grading, excavation or redevelopment. The applicant submits six copies of the package, including an abutters list certified by the Assessor's Office (covering abutters within 300 feet), an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, application and review fees, and a surety bond; the property owner, not just a representative, must be the permittee. Failing to file while performing regulated disturbance is itself a violation under § 23-158(b)(2).

The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan itself must be stamped by a professional engineer licensed in Massachusetts or a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sedimentation Control, and follow performance principles set out in § 23-158(c)(2): minimize the total area of disturbance, sequence work to limit simultaneous exposed area, divert clean water around disturbed areas, and prevent off-site sediment transport. Disturbed areas must receive interim or permanent stabilization within 14 days of construction activity ceasing on that portion of the site. Before clearing begins, the applicant must meet on-site with the Stormwater Authority to review the plan, and the permittee must self-inspect control measures at least weekly and after storm events, submitting monthly reports under § 23-163.

Enforcement runs through § 23-166: the Authority can order repair or replacement of the erosion and sedimentation control system and issue a stop-work order until violations are corrected, with civil and criminal remedies layered on top.