Commercial Projects - Soil Erosion Control
Earth changes undertaken for the purpose of commerce, multiple residential, or public services, including but not limited to:
- Churches
- Commercial projects / additions
- Drainage construction
- Industrial projects
- Mining
- Recreational developments
- Residential developments
- Roads / streets construction
- Schools
- Utilities and pipeline not exempt under Part 91
Commercial permits expire 24 months from the date of issuance. Inspections will be performed throughout the duration of the permit. Permits can be renewed for six months for half of the original permit cost.
Categories & Application Fee Schedule
| Category | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Waiver | Earth changes that are over 500 feet from all surface water that disturb less than one (1) acre or earth changes within 500 feet of surface water disturbing less than 225 square feet and not contributing sediment to surface water | $100 |
| Minor Commercial Project | Earth changes within 500 feet of surface water with a disturbance between 226 and 2,500 square feet in size | $300 |
| Major Commercial Project | Earth Changes within 500 feet of surface water with a disturbance of 2,501 square feet up to 10 acres in size | $500 |
Major Commercial Project, over 10 acres | All projects over 10 acres | $500 + $50 per acre disturbed (over 10 acres) |
Permit Application Process
When an application is submitted to the Soil Erosion Program, all applicants must include:
- Completed Application
- Designated Agent Letter (PDF) (if applicable); written authorization from the landowner to sign the application and secure a permit in the landowner's name.
- Two copies of the Erosion Control Plan
- Application Fee
- Performance Guarantee; all commercial projects (excluding waivers) are required to submit a performance guarantee to ensure proper completion and stabilization of the permitted site- see Fee Schedule (PDF) for details.
The Soil Erosion Program shall approve, disapprove or require modification of the application for an earth change permit within 30 days following the receipt of the completed application submittal.
Waiver Application Process
A Commercial Waiver may be applicable for earth changes that DO NOT contribute sediment to surface waters AND:
- Are over 500 feet from all surface water AND disturb less than one (1) acre
OR
- Earth changes within 500 feet of surface water AND disturb less than 225 square feet
Please contact the SESC office at 734-222-6860 to discuss whether your project may qualify for a waiver and to obtain the waiver application form.
When a Waiver application is submitted to the Soil Erosion Program, all applicants must include:
- Completed Waiver Application; this must be signed by the landowner
- Two sets of Erosion Control Plans
- Application fee
Permit Transfer Information
Permit Transfer shall occur when ownership of a property subject to a permit under the Washtenaw County SESC (Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control) Ordinance is transferred, in whole or in part. If the property is subject to a permit transfer the original permit holder and new permit holder must submit a completed Transfer Form Application (PDF) to the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program for review.
Permit Expiration & Renewal Information
The SESC Program will notify all permit holders 30 days prior to permit expiration. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to renew a permit prior to the expiration date. Failure to renew an active permit will result in enforcement with this office. View the expiration/renewal form and process (PDF).
Closing Out a Permit
The following requirements must be met for closure of the soil erosion permit, unless otherwise indicated:
- All disturbed areas are permanently stabilized in a manner to prevent soil movement or loss from erosive forces such as rain, ice, gravity or wind
- Any temporary SESC controls have been removed
- All permanent erosion control measures are in place and maintained and the site has been established per the approved soil erosion control plan
- All commercial permits shall schedule a final site inspection with the SESC Program. The inspection will consist of a walk through to insure the site has met the permit requirements.
- All fees shall be paid in accordance with the current fee schedule approved by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. When a permit receives a final inspection and all fees are paid a Certificate of Completion will be issued. Failure to pay fees will result in late fees and enforcement.