Lacey, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Erosion control in the City of Lacey is built into Chapter 14.27 LMC rather than a separate grading chapter. The chapter's stated purpose in LMC 14.27.000 is to set standards for managing stormwater runoff from construction and development sites to minimize degradation of surface water quality by controlling the scouring and sedimentation of creeks, streams, wetlands, ponds, lakes, and other water bodies, and damage to adjacent and downstream private properties from erosion.

LMC 14.27.050 requires all projects to comply with the Stormwater Design Manual, and Core Requirement No. 2 is the construction stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). LMC 14.27.020(D) applies the chapter to land-disturbing activity on sites that discharge to the city's MS4 or to waters of the state whether or not a city-issued permit is required. Construction counts as started when a grading permit is issued and the related site work has begun.

Inspection is staged. Under LMC 14.27.040(D) the city inspects prior to site clearing and construction to assess site erosion potential, during construction to verify proper installation and maintenance of required erosion and sediment controls and other approved plan components, and on completion before final approval. The applicant also performs special inspection or testing when the city reasonably requires it. Fees follow the schedule established by the city.

Exemptions still carry duties. Pavement maintenance practices that are exempt from the core requirements, such as pothole patching and crack sealing, shall use appropriate BMPs to minimize erosion and sediment transport, and underground utility projects replacing the surface with in-kind material remain subject to Core Requirement No. 2.

Multi-family projects face a second reference: LMC 14.23.080(H)(6) requires storm drainage and erosion control to meet the Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual for Lacey in the development guidelines.