Billings, MT Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 1 acre or within 50 ft of waterway
- Required filings
- NOI, SWPPP, and NOT forms
- Inspection frequency
- Every 14 days, self-documented
- Enforcer
- Public works department, environmental division
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500/day
Summary
Construction disturbing 1+ acre, or within 50 feet of a watercourse, must file a Notice of Intent and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan with Billings before breaking ground, under the city's Chapter 28 stormwater rules.
The city will require at a minimum an executed copy of the state standard notice of intent (NOI) form for a storm water discharge associated with construction activity under the general permit and a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and a notice of termination (NOT) for construction sites either one acre or larger, for each phase of a construction site that exceeds one acre, or within fifty (50) feet of any water course including irrigation and stormwater ditches for construction sites of less than one acre.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 28 of the Billings Municipal Code implements the city's MS4 stormwater permit and incorporates Montana's construction stormwater general permit (ARM 17.30.1301, 17.30.601). Any project disturbing one acre or more, or working within 50 feet of a watercourse, including irrigation and stormwater ditches, even on sites under one acre, must submit a state Notice of Intent, keep a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan on site, and file a Notice of Termination when work ends. Permittees must self-inspect BMPs at least every 14 calendar days and within 10 days of major storm events, documenting each inspection for city review.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the NOI/SWPPP, failing to install or maintain erosion control devices, or letting sediment leave the site onto adjoining property or right-of-way are code violations, each a separate misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a $500 fine per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Billings require an erosion control plan for construction?
Who enforces stormwater and erosion rules on job sites?
Sources & Official References
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