Southborough, MA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 154 of the Town's bylaws, adopted by Town Meeting on 3-25-2023 under Article 30, regulates erosion and sediment control on construction sites in Southborough. Section 154-1 states the aim: preventing soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from site construction and development. Under § 154-5 the Conservation Commission is the permit granting authority and administers and enforces the bylaw.

A stormwater and erosion control permit is required under § 154-3 for activity subject to major site plan review (§ 174-10) unless no land disturbance is commencing, for land disturbance of one acre or more, for an increase in impervious surfaces of more than 50% of a parcel or lot larger than one acre, and for disturbance of land with 15% or greater slope where the disturbance is greater than or equal to 15,000 square feet within the sloped area. Maintenance, reconstruction or resurfacing of a public way is covered when the road is expanded three feet or greater for 100 feet or more.

Smaller jobs get a lighter track. Soil disturbance of 1/2 acre, 21,780 square feet, up to but not including one acre, 43,560 square feet, follows the Stormwater Policy for Minor Projects enforced by the Conservation Agent. The owner notifies the Commission in writing, with a sketch, at least seven calendar days before land disturbing activities begin, and installs measures such as erosion control barriers at the direction of the Commission or its agent.

Section 154-9(A) lists the construction-phase findings. Besides the items quoted above, the Commission requires a written time table, approved by the Commission, for how long disturbed areas stay exposed (3), a planting plan for permanent revegetation where the site is not covered (7), loam of not less than six inches compacted depth with seeding on planted areas (8), and dust control during grading within 500 feet of an occupied residence or place of business, school, playground, park, cemetery, or place of worship (9). The applicant must name a contact reachable 24 hours a day and seven days a week who is responsible for erosion and sediment control (§ 154-5(E)(1)), and must record the permit with the Registry of Deeds before land disturbing activity begins (§ 154-9(C)).