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Monroe County, PA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Steep Slopes
Extra scrutiny over 15 percent
Drainage
No diversion onto neighbors
Septic
Act 537, township SEO permit
Erosion
Chapter 102 plan required

Summary

Monroe County's steep Pocono slopes make grading and drainage high-stakes. Townships require grading and erosion permits for earthwork, drainage cannot be redirected onto a neighbor, and many lots also depend on on-lot septic.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Monroe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person may install, award a contract for construction or construct an individual or community onlot sewage system, or install, construct, occupy or use a building to be served by that system without first obtaining a permit from the local agency, except as provided in subsections (c)—(e).

Source: Pennsylvania StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Grading in Monroe County is governed by township ordinance plus PA DEP's Chapter 102 erosion rules, which bite harder on slopes above 15 percent, where cut-and-fill can trigger slope failure and sedimentation. Grading or driveway work above local thresholds needs a permit and an erosion control plan, and regraded lots may not concentrate runoff onto adjoining property. Because most Pocono homes outside the boroughs run on on-lot septic, grading near a drainfield is constrained: under the Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537, 35 P.S. §750.1 et seq.), no system may be installed or altered without a permit from the township Sewage Enforcement Officer, who verifies soils, setbacks, and replacement area.

Violations & Fines

Unpermitted grading, diverting concentrated stormwater onto a neighbor, or disturbing a septic drainfield without approval brings stop-work orders, corrective-action orders, Sewage Enforcement Officer enforcement, and civil liability for resulting damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I regrade my lot to drain toward my neighbor?
No. Pennsylvania drainage law bars diverting concentrated runoff onto an adjoining property, and township ordinances require corrective action if you do.
Do I need approval near my septic system?
Yes. Installing or altering an on-lot septic system requires a permit from the township Sewage Enforcement Officer under the Sewage Facilities Act before any work.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Monroe County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Garage Sale SignsSome Restrictions

All Monroe County rules

Compare Monroe County to another location·View the Pennsylvania environmental rules overview

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