Frederick, MD Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 24 implements Maryland's Stormwater Management Act of 2007 and Title 4, Subtitle 1 of the Environment Article through the Frederick Soil Conservation District (SCD). Section 24-4 bars anyone from clearing or grading land without erosion and sediment controls, exempting only agricultural land management, disturbances under 5,000 square feet and 100 cubic yards, and activities exclusively regulated by the State. Section 24-5 requires an applicant to submit an erosion and sediment control plan to the SCD and get approval before obtaining a grading permit; the SCD must act within 30 business days.

Section 24-8 makes an SCD-approved plan a precondition for any grading or building permit, requires proof that SCD inspection fees are paid, and lets the Engineering or Building Department suspend or revoke a permit for plan violations, ignored stop-work orders, or changed site conditions; a grading permit expires two years after issuance unless renewed. Section 24-9 requires a performance bond or letter of credit covering the cost of installing, maintaining, and removing the approved controls. Inspections under § 24-10 occur on average every two weeks on active sites, and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) can order a stop-work if a violation is not corrected by the date set in a notice of violation, per § 24-11.

The plan's own "Standard Stabilization Note," required under § 24-6, sets a 3-calendar-day stabilization deadline for perimeter dikes, swales, ditches, and slopes steeper than 3:1, and a 7-calendar-day deadline for all other disturbed areas.