Middleton, WI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 28 applies to land disturbance exceeding 4,000 square feet, 400 cubic yards of excavation or fill, 400 feet of trench, a 12 percent grade, 100 feet of road ditch work, or any new road or driveway over 125 feet, as well as any subdivision plat (Section 28.04(1)(b)). One- and two-family construction sites regulated under the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and agricultural activity are exempt (Section 28.04(3)). An approved Erosion Control Plan must prevent gully and bank erosion, stop mud-tracking onto public streets, and hold cumulative annual soil loss on exposed areas to 7.5 tons per acre per year, calculated with the Universal Soil Loss Equation (Section 28.06(1)).

Projects disturbing 20,000 square feet or less, away from sensitive areas, on slopes under 6 percent, can use a Simplified Erosion Control Plan instead (Section 28.07). The City Engineer must review a complete application within 60 days, and a land disturbing permit is valid up to 180 days, extendable once for another 180 days at the City Engineer's discretion (Section 28.08(2), (4)). Permittees must notify the City Engineer 48 hours before starting work, inspect their own controls weekly and after every half-inch rain, and clean up any mud tracked onto public streets by day's end (Section 28.08(6)). A surety bond or letter of credit may be required to guarantee the plan's completion (Section 28.08(5)).