Springfield, MA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- DPW as Stormwater Authority
- Trigger
- ≥5,000 sq ft new commercial floor area
- Trigger
- Land disturbance ≥1 acre
- Adopted
- 9-9-2013
Summary
Springfield requires a stormwater management permit before larger construction projects: commercial buildings over 5,000 square feet or sites disturbing an acre or more.
Prior to the commencement of construction for any proposed development listed below, a stormwater management permit, or a waiver of the requirement for a stormwater management permit, must be issued by the Stormwater Authority... Any new commercial, industrial, institutional structures under the same ownership, with at least 5,000 square feet of gross floor area, 10,000 square feet of impervious surface, or that require 10 or more parking spaces; ...Construction activities and subdivisions disturbing greater than or equal to one acre.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 336 designates DPW as the City's Stormwater Authority and, under § 336-6, requires a permit or waiver before land clearing, grading or development for listed project types: four-or-more-unit multifamily housing, new commercial/industrial/institutional buildings of at least 5,000 square feet of floor area, 10,000 square feet of impervious surface, or requiring 10-plus parking spaces, and any activity disturbing an acre or more. Small projects under an acre, farming under an approved conservation plan, and approved logging are exempt. DPW enforces the chapter with civil and criminal remedies under § 336-8.
Violations & Fines
Starting land clearing, grading or development covered by § 336-6 without a permit or waiver exposes the owner to civil and criminal enforcement by the Stormwater Authority under § 336-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small home renovation need a Springfield stormwater permit?
Who reviews stormwater permit applications in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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