Lawrence, KS Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- SWP3 trigger
- 1+ acre of soil disturbance
- Plan submitted to
- Municipal services and operations stormwater engineer
- City review time
- 14 days for approval or revision request
- Inspection frequency
- Monthly, plus after 1/4 inch rain
- BMP fix deadline
- 7 days after a failing inspection
- Minimum fine
- $250.00, judge cannot suspend it
Summary
In the City of Lawrence, any construction site or subdivision that disturbs one acre or more of soil must have a city-approved stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWP3) before work starts. Lawrence City Code § 9-1103 requires erosion and sediment control best management practices on every site and a formal SWP3, reviewed within 14 days, once that acreage threshold is met.
(4)Erosion and sediment control. Best management practices shall be implemented to prevent the release of sediment from construction sites. Disturbed areas shall be minimized, disturbed soil shall be managed and construction site entrances shall be managed to prevent sediment tracking. Excessive sediment tracked onto public streets shall be removed immediately if the sediment presents a traffic hazard or public safety concern. ... Where construction on a site will disturb soil or remove vegetation on one or more acres of land during the life of the construction project, an approved stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWP3) for the project must be provided and implemented by the construction site owner as follows:
Full Breakdown
Section 9-1103(a)(4) requires best management practices on all construction sites to prevent sediment release: disturbed areas must be minimized, disturbed soil managed, and site entrances managed to stop sediment tracking, with any sediment tracked onto public streets removed immediately if it creates a traffic hazard. Where a project (other than a subdivision) will disturb one acre or more of soil or remove vegetation over its life, subsection (b) requires the owner to submit two copies of an SWP3 to the municipal services and operations department's stormwater engineer; the director must return an approval letter or a request for revisions within 14 days, and no soil disturbance may begin until approval issues.
Subdivision developments face a parallel one-acre threshold under subsection (c), with the SWP3 folded into the public improvement plans reviewed by the city engineer and covering every construction phase, including individual home building. Subsection (d) requires the plan be prepared by a qualified person, identify existing natural resources, specify BMP installation and maintenance timing, and be inspected by the owner at least monthly and within one business day after any rainfall of a quarter inch or more, with required modifications completed within seven days of an inspection that finds the BMPs inadequate.
Violations & Fines
Failing to obtain or follow an approved SWP3, or letting sediment escape a construction site, exposes the owner to the same enforcement toolkit under Lawrence City Code § 9-1104: a stop work order barring further construction and occupancy approvals, abatement by city crews at the owner's expense, and a criminal penalty of a minimum $250.00 fine up to $1,500.00 that the municipal judge cannot suspend, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The city may also deny building permits or subdivision plat approval until a required performance bond is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a Lawrence construction project need an SWP3?
How long does the city take to approve an SWP3?
How often do I have to inspect erosion controls once work starts?
What can the city do if my site is tracking sediment onto the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
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