When is a permit required?

Erosion and sediment control (ESC) permits are required for projects that:

• Disturb an area of 5,000 square feet or more
• Demolish an existing structure
• Excavate 50 cubic yards of soil or more
• Stockpiling of soils or other materials
• Land disturbing activities taking place within 100 feet of a lake, pond or wetland

A permit is not needed for soil disturbance due to emergency activities, smaller landscaping projects or gardening. It is best to apply for and obtain the erosion control permit if there are any questions of applicability. City staff can determine if a permit is necessary. 

How to apply

Commercial buildings: 

1. Complete the ESC permit application package.
2.  Complete SWPPP checklist:
   1. Site plan checklist for small projects (5,000 square feet or 50 cubic yards and greater, up to one acre)
   2. Site plan checklist for large projects - REQUIRED TO COMPLETE for projects one acre or greater
3. Create a site plan based on the city erosion control plan requirements.
4. Submit the completed application with a site plan to ProjectDox. 

To avoid delays, contractors and developers are advised to check with the city, local watersheds and other regulatory agencies to determine if your project requires additional permits.

Residential buildings and additions:

1. Complete the ESC permit application package for residential new buildings and additions.
   1. Complete application.
   2. Develop site plan and complete site plan checklist:
      1. Follow city erosion control plan requirements.
      2. Sample plan is included in the package.
      3. Site plan checklist contains important language that needs to be on the site plan.
2. Submit the completed application with a site plan to ProjectDox.

Approval process

Applications are reviewed for compliance with erosion and sediment control guidelines. Applicants might be asked to provide further or missing information. Generally, if all required documentation was submitted in a timely manner, approval process takes about two weeks.  

Before construction can begin, the site will be inspected by the city to determine that the erosion and sediment control measures shown on the plan have been installed accordingly.

Note, for commercial projects that will require any dewatering activities, the erosion control permit will not be issued until the dewatering permit has been submitted and there’s a preliminary approval. Complete dewatering permit application. 

Fees and payment

Application fee

• Residential projects – $375
• Commercial projects – $800

Damage deposit

Damage deposits are required once the application was approved. The amount required is $3,000 per acre, with a minimum of $1,500 for smaller projects.

For more information about damage deposits, view the engineering FAQs.

How to make a payment

• Call 952.924.2588 to pay the application fee
• Call 952.924.2656 to pay for the damage deposit

Payments can be made by credit card or check.  

Contact

Erick Francis
Water resources manager
952.924.2690
efrancis@stlouisparkmn.gov