Ottawa County, MI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

9123a. 5(a) requires a permit for all earth changes disturbing one or more acres, or within 500 feet of a lake or stream's edge. 3 designates the Ottawa County Drain Commissioner as the County Enforcing Agency for earth changes countywide, except those already permitted by a Municipal Enforcing Agency or undertaken by an Authorized Public Agency. 5(c) cover logging, mining, plowing or tilling for crop production; Part 325 beach nourishment; normal road or driveway maintenance that doesn't add width, length or sediment; oil and gas earth changes already covered by an approved Part 615 plan; and minor earth changes stabilized within 24 hours that won't reach a lake or stream.

The Enforcing Agency can also waive the permit for disturbances under 225 square feet on a signed landowner affidavit. 6 requires the application to go in before work starts; work cannot begin until the permit issues. 11 lets the Enforcing Agency issue cease-and-desist orders and revoke permits for violations, and Ottawa County Sheriff's deputies and Drain Commissioner staff can issue municipal civil infraction citations. Projects of 10 acres or more must post an assurance-of-compliance bond equal to the estimated cost of erosion controls plus 10 percent.