Dane County Ch. 14 and Madison MGO Ch. 37 require erosion control permits for land disturbance of 4,000 sq ft (Madison) or 1 acre (county). Implements WI NR 151. Silt fence, tracking pads, and weekly inspections mandatory.
Under Dane County Code Ch. 14 and Madison General Ordinance Ch. 37, an erosion and sediment control permit is required before any land-disturbing activity exceeding 4,000 sq ft in Madison or 1 acre countywide. The plan must conform to the Wisconsin DNR Technical Standards and NR 151 performance standards, limiting sediment loss to 5 tons per acre per year. Required practices include perimeter silt fence, tracked-vehicle stabilized construction entrances, inlet protection on all downstream storm drains, and temporary seeding of areas idle more than 14 days. Self-inspections required weekly and within 24 hours of any 0.5-inch rainfall event; records must be kept on-site. DSPS-certified erosion control supervisor required on commercial sites. Near Yahara lakes and streams, additional NR 115/151 shoreland-buffer setbacks apply.
Land disturbance without permit: stop-work order plus forfeiture $100-$5,000 per day (MGO §37.08). Sediment discharge to waterway or storm sewer: $500-$10,000 per violation. Failure to stabilize within 14 days: daily forfeitures until corrected.
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