Residential Projects - Soil Erosion Control
Earth changes undertaken for a proposed or existing private residence, landscaping activities that require a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) permit, agricultural practices other than the plowing and tilling of fields for crop production or otherwise defined as a commercial project within the Washtenaw County SESC Ordinance. Residential Permits expire 18 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Waiver* | Earth changes that are over 500 Feet from 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 | $50 |
| Minor Residential Project* | Earth changes within 500 feet of surface water with a disturbance between 226 to1,200 square feet in size | $150 |
| Major Residential Project* | Earth changes within 500 feet of surface water with a disturbance of 1,201 square feet to 10 acres | $200 |
| Major Residential Project, plus 10 acres* | For all projects over 10 acres of disturbance | $200 plus $25 per acre |
* Residential project permits expire eighteen (18) months from the date of issuance
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 pull the permit on their behalf
Erosion Control Plan (two sets), see the Site Plan Checklist (PDF) for criteria and / or view an example (PDF)
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 Residential 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 an application is submitted to the Soil Erosion Program, all applicants must include;
- Completed Application, must be signed by the landowner
- Erosion Control Plan, two sets
- Application Fee
Permit Transfer Information
Permit Transfer shall occur when ownership of a property subject to a permit under the Washtenaw County SESC 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 to the SESC Program for review. Click on the Transfer Form Application for the form and process of transferring a soil erosion permit.
Permit Expiration & Renewal
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 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 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.