Soil Erosion - FAQs

Earth changing activities that are of a certain size and within 500 feet of surface water, defined by the County's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, may require a permit or waiver with our office. All earth changes that will disturb one acre or more, regardless of the proximity to surface water require a permit with our office. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

As defined in the Washtenaw County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, Surface water is any water including ponds (as defined), lakes, streams, rivers, county drains (as defined) storm drains (as defined) and wetlands, which holds or conveys water continually or seasonally. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

Applicants can submit for a permit at Washtenaw County's Western Service Center, Office of the Water Resources Commissioner; located at:
705 N Zeeb Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

The submittal should include a completed application, applicable fees, two sets of erosion control plans and a designated agent letter if required. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860

Residential permits expire 18 months from the date of issuance and commercial permit expire two years from the date of issuance. Extensions can be given if needed for a six month period. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.

If the landowner changes during the active soil erosion permit, the permit can be transferred to the new landowner. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860

Yes, there are several penalties associated with Part 91 and the Washtenaw County SESC Ordinance. 

Violations are progressive and are issued according to the severity and the number of occurrences of violations on site. They include, but are not limited to, cease and desist orders, stop work orders, site remediation and municipal civil infractions. For more information, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-686

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) issues permits associated with regulated wetlands (Part 303) and inland lakes / stream (301), floodplains and construction stormwater discharge.  It is up to the applicant to contact the MDEQ prior to earth change activity to see if a permit is needed through the State, if they have the above resources on their property.

*Note: Sites disturbing/clearing 1 acre or greater are subject to the State of Michigan Permit-by-Rule (Rule 323.2190) administered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.  Review MDEQ's stormwater discharge from construction sites webpage.

If you have additional questions, contact the Soil Erosion Control program at 734-222-6860.