Revere, MA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

020 requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan before anyone excavates, cuts, grades, or otherwise disturbs land at a scale the ordinance calls 'significant': a grade change or vegetation removal of more than 2,500 square feet or 25% of the lot (whichever is smaller), storage of more than 100 cubic yards of excavated material or fill, or any disturbance under 2,500 square feet that's part of a larger common development or sale disturbing an acre or more. Emergency work and existing permitted nursery or agricultural operations are exempt.

Projects disturbing less than 20,000 square feet or storing 100 to 1,300 cubic yards count as 'minor' and need a plan showing property lines, existing and proposed structures and impervious surface, stormwater utilities, and control measures; larger 'significant impact' projects must add a vicinity map, contour lines, a vegetation and wetlands delineation, and a construction sequence. Plans must be stamped by a Massachusetts-registered professional engineer or certified erosion and sediment control professional and must meet the standards in the Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook and, for projects needing an NPDES construction permit, the accompanying stormwater pollution prevention plan.

The Department of Public Works has 90 calendar days to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a plan; missing that deadline lets the applicant proceed as filed. Permit holders must give the DPW two working days' notice before starting construction, clearing, rough grading, or final landscaping so inspections can be scheduled (notification is the only requirement on minor projects). If work violates the approved plan in a way that harms the environment, public health, or municipal facilities, the superintendent of public works or the director of municipal inspections can suspend the work entirely until the violation is corrected.