One heavy downpour can turn a sloped Burlington yard into a fast-moving channel. If you have ever watched water race off your roof or driveway, you know how quickly small issues can become bigger ones. In this guide, you will learn how stormwater and erosion affect Burlington properties, when permits apply, simple fixes that work, and where to get help. Let’s dive in.
Burlington stormwater basics
Why runoff matters here
Burlington sits in the Farmington River watershed, so what happens on your lot can influence local streams and resources downstream. Stormwater picks up sediment, nutrients, oils, and road salt, which can harm waterways and increase local flood and erosion risk. For this reason, Connecticut and towns like Burlington treat stormwater as a regulated source and run municipal programs to reduce impacts. You can learn more about stormwater in plain language from UConn NEMO’s stormwater basics, and see how towns manage it under the CT DEEP Municipal Stormwater (MS4) program.
Permits and rules in Burlington
Projects that trigger permits
Some projects require review before you move earth.
- Land disturbance of 1 acre or more usually needs coverage under the state Construction Stormwater General Permit, which includes a Stormwater Pollution Control Plan. Details are on the DEEP Construction Stormwater GP page.
- Work in or near wetlands or watercourses often needs review or a permit from Burlington’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Start with the IWWC page.
- Smaller projects can still require local approvals, especially if you are regrading near a stream, adding a driveway, or building a retaining wall. Apply and track filings through the Burlington Land Use online portal.
2024 technical standards you will hear about
Connecticut updated its core guidance in 2024, and towns and contractors use these documents in reviews and designs:
- The Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual sets expectations for low impact development, sizing of systems, and long-term maintenance.
- The Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control explain how to prepare construction sites, install controls like silt fence, and stabilize disturbed soil.
Where to start locally
- For regrading, driveways, walls, additions, and site work, submit questions and applications through the Burlington Land Use portal.
- For work near streams, wetlands, or ponds, contact the IWWC early.
- To report clogged catch basins or suspected discharges, reach out to Burlington Public Works.
Simple fixes for your property
Disconnect and spread roof runoff
Direct downspouts onto lawn or landscaped areas instead of the driveway or street. This lowers peak flows and filters pollutants. Keep outlets about 10 feet from foundations, and do not direct water toward septic systems or wells. Check outlets each season and after major storms.
Build a rain garden
A rain garden is a shallow, planted area that captures roof or driveway runoff and lets it soak in. It reduces puddling, filters runoff, and can be a beautiful landscape feature. Get sizing and step-by-step help from UConn NEMO’s rain garden resources. Place the garden at least 10 feet from your foundation and avoid septic or well areas.
Use permeable driveways and patios
Permeable pavers or porous asphalt can reduce runoff if your site and soils are suitable. Slope and infiltration matter, so consult a qualified contractor. The Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual covers design expectations.
Protect streambanks and slopes
Keep or restore vegetated buffers along streams. On steeper banks, use native plantings, terracing, or stone to reduce erosion. Check with the IWWC before any work near water.
Control erosion during projects
If you disturb soil, install temporary controls before it rains. Typical measures include silt fence, straw wattles, rock check dams, and mulch with seed. Proper installation and spacing are outlined in the Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines.
Everyday habits that help
- Sweep grass clippings and leaves back onto lawns, not into streets or basins.
- Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash.
- Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly and never right before rain.
- Recycle paints, oils, and household chemicals instead of dumping them.
For buyers and sellers in Burlington
Red flags to look for
During showings or pre-list prep, watch for bare or eroding slopes, gullies in lawn areas, sediment in driveway swales, or downspouts discharging onto pavement. Note older retaining walls that are leaning or cracking. Ask for permits or records if recent grading, drainage changes, or bank work occurred. Check the Land Use portal or IWWC files when in doubt.
Ask about long-term maintenance
If the property has dry wells, infiltration trenches, or a bioretention area, they require routine inspection and cleaning to work properly. Ask if a maintenance plan or agreement exists, especially for newer construction. The Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual emphasizes long-term operation and maintenance for these systems.
A quick due-diligence checklist
- Identify where roof and driveway runoff goes.
- Look for signs of chronic erosion or ponding after rain.
- Confirm whether any post-construction stormwater features exist and get maintenance records.
- Review past permits or approvals for grading, walls, or wetland work.
- Ask the town about open violations or required follow-up.
Who to call and where to learn more
- Burlington Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission - permits and guidance: Town IWWC page
- Burlington Land Use - online permits and instructions: Land Use portal
- Burlington Public Works - MS4 program and maintenance issues: Public Works contacts
- State programs and manuals: CT DEEP Construction Stormwater GP and CT Stormwater Manual
- How-to for homeowners: UConn NEMO rain gardens
- Watershed stewardship and local projects: Farmington River Watershed Association
Ready to talk through how stormwater could affect your Burlington sale or purchase, or which fixes might add value before listing? Reach out to Laurie Kane for local guidance and a plan that aligns with your goals.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to regrade my Burlington yard?
- It depends on the scope and location. Small landscaping often stays local, but larger disturbances, work on steep slopes, or anything in or near wetlands and watercourses can require review. Projects disturbing about 1 acre or more typically fall under the state construction stormwater permit. Contact the town’s Land Use and IWWC before you begin.
Can I build a rain garden near my foundation?
- Keep rain gardens at least about 10 feet from foundations, and avoid septic systems and wells. Proper sizing and siting help them drain within a day after a storm.
Who do I call about a clogged catch basin in Burlington?
- Contact Burlington Public Works to report clogged basins or suspected discharges. Provide the street location and a brief description of the issue.
What should buyers ask about stormwater systems at a home?
- Ask if the property has features like dry wells, infiltration trenches, or bioretention, whether there is a maintenance plan, and when the last inspection or cleaning occurred. Request permits or approvals for past grading or drainage work.
