Hardscape & Paving Contractor in Needham, MA

In many towns a patio competes with the house and garage for a fixed share of the lot. Needham’s zoning bylaw leaves decks, patios, pools and outdoor fireplaces out of the lot coverage figure.

The limit that does reach hard surface is the stormwater bylaw, which counts driveways, walks and pools as impervious when a new house or a large addition is permitted. A stand-alone patio is a different matter, but it is worth knowing if you are planning both.

Needham’s wetlands regulations set a 25-foot No-Disturb Zone around wetlands, water bodies and land that floods. Where the wetland is wildlife habitat, or the land beside it is forest or meadow, the zone is 50 feet.

The Conservation Commission reviews work within 100 feet of a wetland or stream, and within 200 feet of the Charles River. With the river on three sides, plenty of Needham yards qualify.

A pool permit in Needham requires a certified plot plan from a Massachusetts land surveyor showing the lot lines, the setbacks, the pool and its barrier. The barrier and alarms have to be in before the pool can hold water.

Public Works also requires a street and sidewalk permit for installing an in-ground pool, because the equipment crosses the curb and sidewalk, and for driveway installations, reconstruction and repairs.

Glacial outwash, a mix of sand and gravel, covers most of Needham, including the broad plain along Great Plain Avenue. It drains well and compacts well, which suits patios and driveways.

The town’s open space plan also notes poorly drained soils, high water tables, steep slopes and shallow bedrock in places. Permits are filed electronically through the town’s ViewPoint portal.