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Bloomington, IN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

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

Key Facts

Applies to
All land-disturbing activity, any size
Stabilization start
Within 7 idle days
Stabilization finish
Within 14 days of starting
Natural buffer minimum
50 feet preserved where existing
First-offense fine
Up to $2,500
Stop-work notice
72 hours (immediate for hazards)

Summary

In the City of Bloomington, every construction site disturbing ground, no matter the size, must control erosion and sediment under Bloomington Municipal Code § 13.05.040, using best management practices like silt fences, filter socks, or sedimentation basins. Bare soil left idle must start getting stabilized within seven days and finish within fourteen, and CBU inspects the measures before land-disturbing work can even begin.

(a)All project sites undergoing land disturbing activities, regardless of size, shall prevent the illicit discharge of pollutants off-site or conveyed into any stormwater drainage system, either by wind or water in accordance with the MS4GP and the CSGP. All land disturbing activities shall be protected by best management practices. Best management practices may include, but are not limited to, silt or erosion-control fences, filter socks, sedimentation basins, articulated concrete blocks, mechanically stabilized earth, storm grate filters, or erosion control mats. ... (o)Un-vegetated areas that are left idle or scheduled to be left inactive must be temporarily or permanently stabilized with measures appropriate for the season to minimize erosion potential. To meet this requirement, the following apply:(1)Stabilization must be initiated by the end of the seventh day the area is left idle. The stabilization activity must be completed within fourteen days after initiation.

View official code

Full Breakdown

040(a) requires every project site undertaking land-disturbing activity, regardless of size, to prevent pollutants from blowing or washing off-site, using BMPs such as silt or erosion-control fences, filter socks, sedimentation basins, articulated concrete blocks, mechanically stabilized earth, storm grate filters, or erosion control mats. 040(c). 040(h). 040(j). 040(o): stabilization must start by the end of the seventh idle day and be finished within fourteen days of starting, through seeding, mulch, or another temporary method appropriate for the season. 040(p). 050(b).

Violations & Fines

CBU can issue a stop work order for a § 13.05.040 violation with at least seventy-two hours' notice, or immediately if the violation creates a public health or safety hazard, under § 13.08.050. Fines follow the same schedule as other Stormwater Management Ordinance violations: up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $7,500 for the second and any later violation, plus CBU can revoke permits or draw on a performance bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do small construction projects need erosion control in Bloomington?
Yes. Section 13.05.040(a) applies to every project site undergoing land-disturbing activity regardless of size, requiring BMPs like silt fences or sedimentation basins to keep pollutants from blowing or washing off-site by wind or water.
How long can I leave bare dirt exposed on a job site?
Section 13.05.040(o) gives you seven idle days before you must start stabilizing bare, un-vegetated ground, and the stabilization work itself must be finished within fourteen days of when you started it, using seeding, mulch, or another seasonally appropriate method.
What happens if sediment gets tracked onto a public road?
Section 13.05.040(i) makes any sediment that leaves the project site a violation, and requires roadways open to traffic to be cleared, at minimum by the end of the same day, without dry mechanical methods that raise dust or flushing without directing the water to a control measure.
Can CBU shut down my construction site for an erosion violation?
Yes. Section 13.08.050 lets CBU issue a stop work order with seventy-two hours' notice for a § 13.05.040 violation, or immediately if the violation is a public health or safety hazard, on top of a civil fine of up to $2,500 for a first offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bloomington

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBoat Dock PermitsSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSignificant RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksLight RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Bloomington rules

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