Erosion Control Permit

updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Requirements
Federal regulations require cities to enforce provisions of the Clean Water Act. Storm water is rainwater and water from sprinklers that carry dirt, fertilizer and other pollutants onto streets and down into storm sewers. Unlike water in sanitary sewer systems, storm water drains directly and untreated into lakes, ponds and rivers where it compromises water quality. Polluted runoff causes excessive weed and algae growth in lakes and ponds. Sediment carried by storm water clogs wetlands and reduces the capacity for floodwater retention.

The City of St. Louis Park's Erosion Control Permitis designed to reduce soil erosion during construction and improve the quality of post-construction storm water runoff. Before any soil is disturbed, City ordinance requires an erosion control permit for:

Construction of commercial or multi-family buildings
New home construction
Disturbing more than 5,000 sq. ft. of soil or moving more than 50 cubic yards of soil on or off of a construction site
Any construction near a wetland

The Erosion Control Worksheet must be used in conjunction with the Permit. Builders are advised that other erosion control permits may be required if the project is within the political boundaries of the Minnehaha or Basset Creek watersheds.

Other entities may also require erosion control permits:

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission
MPCA Stormwater Program for Construction Activity (NPDES/SDS Permit)

Cost
Cash, checks or credit card payment are accepted.

Approval Process
The Inspections Department will process the application, and the Public Works Department will review plans for erosion control and storm water management. Before construction begins, erosion control measures will be inspected by the City's Environmental Coordinator.