Lafayette, IN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Section 8.08.400 triggers Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and permit requirements for any Lafayette project involving clearing, grading, excavation, or other land-disturbing activity of one-half acre or more, including new development and redevelopment, and including smaller lots that are part of a larger common plan of development ultimately disturbing a half acre or more. Agricultural land-disturbing activities and forest harvesting are exempt outright, and certain permitted landfill, coal mining, and municipal solid waste operations are exempt if their state permits already require immediate erosion control.

An individual lot owner within a larger permitted project must still obtain stormwater review approval before a building permit, even without filing a separate SWPPP. Section 8.08.410 requires the developer to submit a SWPPP with detailed erosion and sediment control plans plus a narrative on materials handling, storage, and construction sequencing, consistent with IDEM's minimum requirements and the city's Technical Standards; the SWPPP and project management log must be kept at least three years after the permit is terminated. Section 8.08.430 requires a trained individual to evaluate the site in writing by the end of the next business day after every measurable storm event, or weekly if none occur, until the site is stabilized.

Violations run through Article VII, with Section 8.08.710 civil infraction fines of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a subsequent offense, and a stop-work order available under Section 8.08.720.