Stormwater Management

Localities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to comply with a number of both State and Federal laws, regulations, and permits which require a locality to address the impacts of development and post-development stormwater runoff quality and nonpoint source pollution.

The Town of Upton adopted its Stormwater Management Bylaw in May of 2024 to eliminate non-stormwater discharges to the Town's stormwater management system, and to provide reasonable guidance for the regulation of development and post-development stormwater runoff for the purpose of protecting local water resources from degradation. This bylaw prohibits the discharges of illicit materials to the Town's stormwater management system and requires the removal of all such illicit connections.

The purpose of this bylaw is to protect, maintain and enhance the public health, safety, environment, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse effects of development stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution associated with development.

Types of Permits

Clearing or disturbing 1,500 to 20,000 square feet of land requires an Administrative Land Disturbance Permit (ALDP). Clearing or disturbing over 20,000 square feet of land requires a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) and Public Hearing. Disturbances of under 1,500 square feet do not require a permit. For filing fees associated with the permits below, please see the Filing Fee Schedule.

Administrative Land Disturbance Permit

Clearing or disturbing of 1,500 to 20,000 square feet of land requires an Administrative Land Disturbance Permit (ALDP) to be filed with the Conservation Commission. Descriptions of required materials can be found within the Stormwater Regulations and within the permit application form itself. 

Land Disturbance Permit

Clearing or disturbing of more than 20,000 square feet requires a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) be filed with the Conservation Commission. A Stormwater Management Plan, Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, and Operation and maintenance plan must also be submitted with the application. Descriptions of required materials can be found within the Stormwater Regulations and within the permit application form itself. 

A new scam that uses information from municipal meeting materials and agendas to request payments from project applicants has been brought to our attention. Please be aware that the Town of Upton and its Conservation Commission will never request wire payments, send invoices, or require online payment submissions. If you receive any correspondence requesting payment, call the Land Use and Inspectional Services office to confirm.