Bloomington, IL Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

City Code § 24-603 requires anyone clearing, grading, stripping, excavating, or filling land to obtain an Erosion and Sediment Control Permit from the Public Works Department first if the work will disturb more than 5,000 square feet, disturb more than 1,000 square feet within 25 feet of a lake, pond, stream, or wetland, or move more than 100 cubic yards of excavation or fill. Exemptions cover basement/footing excavation for a single-family home on a lot over five acres with a building permit already issued, ordinary agricultural use under an approved farm conservation plan, and septic system work on an existing dwelling, though the applicant must still meet the erosion and sediment control principles in § 24-602 and the City's Manual of Practice for the Design of Public Improvements.

Applications go to the Director of Public Works, must state the site's gross and impervious area and the area to be disturbed, carry a filing fee set by the Schedule of Fees (with subdivision projects folded into the inspection fee), and require sign-off by a licensed professional engineer or certified erosion-control professional for sites over one acre. The Director has 60 days to approve, approve with conditions, request revisions, or deny; silence past 60 days lets the applicant proceed under the filed plans. Disturbance of five acres or more requires a performance bond, letter of credit, or cash security satisfactory to the City's Corporate Counsel to cover restoration and inspection costs.

Permits expire if work has not started within one year or is not finished by the date stated in the permit, though the Director may grant an extension on satisfactory proof of unusual difficulty. Decisions under § 24-603G may be appealed to the Construction Board of Appeals, which must hold a hearing after 15 days' notice and rule within 30 days; missing the five-business-day appeal window from permit issuance or start of work waives the right to appeal.