Massachusetts grading and site drainage are governed statewide by the State Building Code (780 CMR) and Wetlands Protection Act, setting uniform lot-grading and drainage standards across municipalities.
Lot grading and drainage requirements derive from the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), authorized under MGL c.143 §94, which adopts the IBC/IRC requirements for site grading, foundation drainage, and surface water disposal. When sites affect wetlands or stormwater systems, MGL c.131 §40 (Wetlands Protection Act) and 310 CMR 10.00 also apply uniformly. Local building inspectors enforce the state code as adopted; no municipality may issue a building permit ignoring the state grading and drainage minimums.
Failure to meet grading and drainage standards can result in stop-work orders, denied certificates of occupancy, and corrective regrading at the owner's expense.
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