Norfolk County does not regulate grading. Each municipality requires grading permits under 780 CMR building code. Drainage cannot be diverted onto neighboring property under MA common law.
Grading and drainage in Norfolk County are municipal. The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR Chapter 18 and Appendix J, Grading) requires grading permits for excavation or fill above thresholds, commonly 50-100 cubic yards. Site grading must direct drainage away from structures and cannot redirect water onto abutting properties — MA follows the "reasonable use" doctrine for surface water (Tucker v. Badoian, 1978, and Kurtigian v. City of Worcester). Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineering and a separate building permit per 780 CMR Chapter 18. Compaction testing required for structural fill. Conservation Commission review required for grading within 100 ft of wetlands. Slope stability issues common in Blue Hills foothill areas (Milton, Canton, Randolph).
No county enforcement. Municipal unpermitted grading: stop-work order, $250-$2,500. Drainage onto neighbors: civil suit with injunction and damages. Wetlands grading: up to $25,000.
Brookline, MA
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