Minnetonka, MN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Section 300.28 subdivision 15 of the Minnetonka City Code requires a grading permit for excavating, grading, filling or other land-disturbing activity that exposes soil in an area or areas encompassing at least 5,000 square feet or moves at least 50 cubic yards of material. A permit is also required for any such work on a steep slope, wetland, floodplain or shoreland, and for work that de-stabilizes soil or creates the potential for erosion onto property not in common ownership or into a water resource. A grading and erosion control plan goes to the city for approval with any grading permit, preliminary plat, site plan review, lot division, wetland or floodplain alteration permit, and any building permit that involves land-disturbing activity.

Subdivision 16 sets the application. It goes to the city planner with the permit fee from section 710 and a plan covering grades at two foot contour intervals, drainage, a tree survey, a stormwater pollution prevention plan, soil stockpile locations, a construction management plan and a site maintenance inspection schedule naming the person responsible. The city requires a cash deposit or letter of credit not to exceed 150% of the estimated cost of the work, or 125% of an actual bid, and a signed agreement that the city can use the security to correct violations within 48 hours of written notification. Sites disturbing one acre or more also need an inspector deposit. The permit is not approved until all erosion control, tree protection and construction limit measures have been installed and inspected by the city.

Subdivision 17 carries the working rules. Plans must be consistent with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency construction general permit. Exposed soil is stabilized if not worked for 14 days. Rock construction driveways go where vehicles enter and exit, and streets are swept whenever sediment is tracked. Silt fence goes along the downslope and sideslope perimeters of the grading limits. Pipe outlets need energy dissipation within 24 hours of connection to a surface water. Slopes that are created may not be steeper than 3:1, with narrow exceptions up to 2:1 approved by the city engineer. When one or more acres drains to a common location, a temporary sediment basin is required.