Stormwater Engineering and Stormwater Management in Massachusetts
If you’re working on a new construction or residential development site in Massachusetts, many towns and cities will require a stormwater management permit to ensure your construction project effectively manages stormwater runoff.
Chongris Engineering can help you navigate constantly changing stormwater management requirements. We offer residential stormwater engineering throughout Massachusetts, and we can help you meet the complete minor and major stormwater permits required by your town (including towns like Weston, Medford, Wellesley and Newton).
Stormwater management is a critical part of protecting local waterways, preventing flooding, and reducing erosion caused by increased runoff from roofs, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. Our stormwater designs are developed in accordance with Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards and tailored to meet local Stormwater Bylaws and Stormwater regulations.
All of our designs are low-impact, and we offer free, no-commitment estimates for every project. Stormwater systems often take up a lot of space, especially on smaller size lots. We don’t believe stormwater systems should have a negative effect on your landscape which is why we provide a low-impact design to make sure you still have the yard of your dreams.
Our team evaluates site grading, drainage patterns, soil conditions, and existing natural features to design stormwater solutions that work with your property — not against it. This may include infiltration systems, dry wells, rain gardens, or other best management practices designed to reduce runoff and improve water quality.
Most importantly, we offer fast, reliable stormwater management permitting so you can keep your residential construction project moving forward.
We understand that stormwater management permitting can be one of the most time-consuming parts of a residential construction project. That’s why we work efficiently, prepare clear documentation, and coordinate with local boards to help avoid delays, revisions, or costly redesigns.
Whether you’re building a new home, adding an addition, or developing a residential lot, Chongris Engineering provides stormwater engineering and stormwater management services that balance regulatory compliance, environmental responsibility, and practical site use. We stay involved from initial site review through final approval so your project stays on track.
Call us today to get your stormwater engineering project on its way to completion.
We offer Stormwater Design in:
Weston
Medford
Wellesley
Throughout eastern Mass.
FAQs about Stormwater Management
Why won’t the Town issue my building permit without a stormwater permit?
This is becoming increasingly common as local stormwater regulations continue to get stricter. Many municipalities now require a stormwater permit before issuing a building permit for projects that increase impervious area.
Once soil testing is completed, we can typically prepare and submit a stormwater management plan within approximately two weeks, allowing you to obtain your stormwater permit and move forward with construction.
What is a stormwater management permit?
A stormwater management permit is prepared by a stormwater engineer and issued by the Town to confirm that runoff from new impervious areas—such as roofs, driveways, patios, or additions—is properly managed on site.
While requirements vary by municipality, most stormwater bylaws require:
- Collection of runoff from all new impervious surfaces
- Conveyance to underground stormwater systems
- A stamped stormwater management plan prepared by a licensed professional engineer
Our stormwater engineering team prepares the plans and coordinates directly with the Town to obtain approval.
What types of projects trigger the stormwater bylaw?
Stormwater requirements vary by town, but in most cases any project that increases impervious area by approximately 500 square feet or more will trigger the local stormwater bylaw.
Common projects that require a stormwater management plan include:
- Teardown and rebuilds
- Home additions and new garages
- Driveway or patio expansions
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
A stormwater engineer can quickly determine whether your project is subject to local stormwater regulations.
Why is stormwater management important?
When land is cleared or developed, rainwater that would normally infiltrate into the soil becomes surface runoff. This runoff can flow onto neighboring properties, wetlands, and waterways, often carrying sediment and pollutants with it.
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water quality degradation in Massachusetts. To reduce these impacts, municipalities are required to implement and enforce local stormwater regulations, making stormwater management an essential part of the permitting process.
I can’t get my ADU approved without a stormwater permit. Can you help?
Absolutely. Many ADUs trigger the local stormwater bylaw due to increased roof and driveway runoff.
The process typically includes:
- Soil testing to evaluate infiltration capacity
- Preparation of a compliant stormwater management plan
- Stamped plans by a licensed stormwater engineering professional
- Submission and coordination with the Town until approval
Once approved, you can move forward with construction of your ADU.