FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

If you plan to complete the demolition of the existing structure and construction of the new structure within the duration of the erosion control permit only one permit is required. If different contractors will be responsible for the demolition phase and construction phase the permit must be filed by the Site Owner. The City requires a single point of contact for a site for the duration of the erosion control permit. 

If there will be a delay between the demolition of the existing structure and construction of the new structure that exceeds the duration of the erosion control permit separate permits will be required for the demolition and construction phases of the project.

An erosion control permit is good for up to one year after the date of issuance. A permit holder can make a written request to the City Engineer or Public Works Director for an extension of up to an additional year.

All Class 2 permits will be reviewed within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the application.

If the erosion permit is for the demolition of a single-family home only the permit fee would be $100 

If the erosion permit is for the demolition of a single-family home and construction of a multi-family apartment or commercial property it would be $200 

If the erosion permit is for the demolition of a single-family home and construction of a one- or two-family residence permit fee would be $100

 Class 1 Permits (Large Sites) - $500 plus $20 per additional acre over 5 acres 

Class 2 Permits (Small Sites) - $100 for one- or two-family residential construction; $200 for all other construction

1. Permit Application Form (make sure the form is completely filled out) 
2. Erosion Control Plan Drawing (Please see page 3 of the Manual of Practice for an example)
3. Erosion Control Plan Checklist (Submit page 4 of the Manual of Practice checking off that all items have been completed)
4. Permit Fee

The City can issue a STOP WORK ORDER against your project.

The City can issue fines of up to $1,000 per day for non-compliance with the erosion control ordinance. 

The City can implement corrective erosion control measures on your site and bill you for the cost of those measures.

• New Home Construction 

• New Commercial, Industrial, or Institutional Construction 

• Home Improvement Projects that add over 1,000 square feet of building area (see note #1) 

• Demolition Projects for Buildings 

• Any land disturbance activity over 2,000 square feet in area 

The ordinance defines land disturbance area as any land change that may result in soil erosion from wind, water and/or ice and the movement of sediments into or upon waters, lands, or rights-of-way within the City, including but not limited to building demolition, clearing and grubbing, grading, excavating, transporting and filling of land. Practically speaking the best way to estimate disturbed areas is to total the area of new buildings, parking/driving surfaces, and areas that will require seeding or sodding after the project is complete to restore a vegetative cover. 

Note #1: Assumes that 100% of the building addition or demolition area is disturbed as part of construction/demolition.

Large Sites Require a Class 1 Permit (Sites over 1 acre (43,560 sq ft) of disturbed area) 

Small Sites Require a Class 2 Permit (Sites less than 1 acre (43,560 sq ft) of disturbed area)

All erosion control permit applications must be submitted to the Public Works Department at 706 Glover Avenue.

Copies of the erosion control permits and manual of practices are available:

• Forms and Applications page
• Public Works Department at 706 Glover Avenue
• Community Development Services Department at 400 South Vine Street