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Ankeny, IA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit name
COSESCO permit
Triggered by
City building permit for new construction/addition
Also required with
IDNR NPDES General Permit No. 2
SWPPP preparer
Licensed engineer, landscape architect or CPESC
Enforcement officer
Storm Water Coordinator
Penalty
Up to $750 first offense, $1,000 repeat

Summary

Anyone who needs a City of Ankeny building permit for new construction or a commercial or industrial addition must also get a Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control (COSESCO) permit before work starts, on top of any state IDNR General Permit No. 2 coverage. The permittee carries primary responsibility for compliance under both permits.

Any person, entity, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, State agency or political subdivision ("applicant" or "person"): ... B. required to obtain a building permit from the City of Ankeny for new construction and/or a commercial or industrial addition shall also be required to obtain from the City a Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Permit (COSESCO permit) in addition to and not in lieu of any State IDNR authorization for coverage.

Full Breakdown

Ankeny Code of Ordinances Chapter 169 requires a COSESCO permit from anyone triggering coverage under the Iowa DNR's NPDES General Permit No. 2 or a City building permit for new construction or a commercial/industrial addition. Applications go through the Public Services Building and must include the SWPPP, IDNR Notice of Intent materials, and evidence of state permit approval, prepared by a licensed professional engineer, landscape architect, certified professional in erosion and sediment control (CPESC), or Soil and Water Conservation District representative, and the SWPPP must comply with the Statewide Urban Design Standards (SUDAS).

An applicant may be required to post security under Section 200.39, and fees follow a schedule set by City Council resolution. A COSESCO permit must be obtained before or at the same time as the building permit, plat approval, or Planning and Zoning site plan approval. The Storm Water Coordinator, acting as enforcement officer, conducts scheduled and unannounced inspections at each construction phase, from grading through final stabilization, and permittees have an absolute duty to report any noncompliant storm water discharge within one business day. Construction must stop the moment the City identifies noncompliance and cannot resume until conditions are resolved.

Violations & Fines

Violations are enforceable by civil action, including injunctive relief, with the City entitled to recover attorney fees and costs, and separately as a municipal infraction under Iowa Code Section 364.22 through Chapter 4 (up to $750 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for each repeat offense, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a repeat). The enforcement officer can also issue a written stop work order halting all site work immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces Ankeny's erosion control permit?
The Storm Water Coordinator, acting as the enforcement officer under Section 169.03, conducts scheduled and unannounced compliance inspections of active construction sites. Permittees must notify the City at each construction phase, including grading, utility installation and final stabilization, and must correct any noncompliance the officer identifies before work can resume.
When must I get the COSESCO permit?
Section 169.01 requires anyone who needs a City of Ankeny building permit for new construction or a commercial or industrial addition to also obtain a COSESCO permit, and Section 169.02 requires it before or at the same time as the building permit, plat approval, or site plan approval.
What happens if I discharge storm water in violation of my SWPPP?
Section 169.04 makes it an absolute duty to monitor site conditions, and permittees must report any noncompliant storm water discharge to the enforcement officer within one business day. Failing to make a timely report is itself a separate violation of the chapter, on top of the underlying discharge violation.
Can the City stop construction for an erosion control violation?
Yes. Section 169.05 lets the enforcement officer issue a written stop work order whenever regulated work is performed contrary to the chapter or is dangerous or unsafe. All work on site must cease immediately, and continuing to work after the order is served is a separate violation subject to penalties.

Sources & Official References

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