Medford, MA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Section 82-128, part of the chapter 82 Stormwater System article adopted by Ord. No. 757 in 2010, is Medford's construction-phase erosion and sediment control mechanism. It bars any person from excavating, cutting, grading or performing any land-disturbing activity without an issued stormwater permit from the director of the department of public works or a designee. Before that permit issues, the owner of a new-development or redevelopment site must submit a site construction and post-construction stormwater management plan to the city engineer for approval, meeting the requirements and performance standards set out in the stormwater regulations the stormwater board adopts under § 82-126.

The article's stated purpose in § 82-123, reducing erosion and sedimentation and protecting water quality, frames why the permit exists: without a review of grading and drainage plans before dirt moves, construction sites in Medford would otherwise be free to discharge sediment-laden runoff into the storm drain system that § 82-127 separately prohibits. Waivers or exemptions from any provision of the article, including the § 82-128 permit, are available only as defined in the stormwater regulations and are subject to review and approval by the director of public works under § 82-129.

The director of public works also enforces § 82-128 under § 82-130, with authority to pursue civil or criminal remedies for land-disturbing work performed without the required permit.