Utah County, UT Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

19 requires anyone disturbing one or more acres of land, or a smaller parcel that is part of a larger common plan of development collectively reaching one acre, to obtain a land disturbance permit from the County Engineer before work begins. Borrow pits and processing of topsoil or gravel screening also trigger the requirement, and the County Engineer can require a permit for any smaller disturbance judged a unique threat to water or public health. The permit application must name the contractor who will implement the erosion and sediment control plan, and, where required, must be accompanied by a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that includes a sediment and erosion control plan, plus evidence of a state UPDES construction general permit from the Utah Division of Water Quality where one applies; smaller UPDES-exempt projects must still submit an effective erosion control plan.

The County Engineer has 14 calendar days after a complete application to approve, conditionally approve, or deny it in writing, and no development plans are approved until the land disturbance permit is issued. A permit expires if substantial work has not started within 180 calendar days or is not finished within 18 months of issuance. Applicants must give the County Engineer 10 business days' written notice before construction starts so inspections can be scheduled, and the County Engineer may require a performance or cash bond, sized to the estimated cost of the structural BMPs, that is released only after as-built plans and a licensed professional engineer's certification confirm the work matches the approved plan.

Exemptions cover emergency work necessary to protect life or property, existing nursery and agricultural operations, activity under an approved farm conservation plan, additions to existing single-family homes, and minor residential landscaping that does not affect the county right-of-way or neighboring property.