Nassau County, FL Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Roadway and Drainage Standards Ordinance § 10.6.5
- Trigger
- Any site with disturbed natural cover or topography
- Design standard
- Must meet FDEP Erosion and Sediment Control Manual
- Sediment removal
- Cleared when trapping device is 50% full
- Stabilization deadline
- Bare soil stabilized after 14 inactive days
- Inspection
- FDEP Stormwater Inspector reports provided on request
Summary
Any site in unincorporated Nassau County where construction disturbs natural cover or topography must control erosion and retain sediment onsite under Section 10.6.5 of the Roadway and Drainage Standards Ordinance. Contractors must follow the state Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, remove trapped sediment once storage is 50 percent full, and immediately stop work and restore the area if sediment escapes the site.
10.6.5.1. Where the natural cover or topography of the site has been altered or otherwise disturbed, all necessary erosion prevention and sediment control measures shall be used to retain sediment onsite. 10.6.5.2. These management practices shall meet the design criteria set forth in the most recent version of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP's) Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, shall be adequate to prevent the transportation of sediment from the site to the NPDES Permit Requirements, and shall be shown and noted on a separate erosion and sediment control plan in the construction plans. Sediment accumulations in the system from construction activities shall be removed when 50% full to prevent loss of storage volume. If Sedimentation occurs to off-site areas all work shall cease, siltation halted, and the area immediately restored and stabilized. 10.6.5. ... 6. ... All side slopes and other areas disturbed by construction shall be stabilized by sodding, hydro-mulching or other appropriate vegetative or non-vegetative erosion control measures.
Full Breakdown
1. 2. Sediment trapped by control devices must be cleared out once a device is 50 percent full so it does not lose storage capacity, and if sediment escapes to an off-site area, that same section requires the contractor to halt all work, stop the siltation, and immediately restore and stabilize the affected area. 3 requires any off-site drainage already flowing onto the property before construction to be accommodated and maintained throughout the construction period so upstream and downstream neighbors are not harmed. 5 requires inspection reports from a Qualified FDEP Stormwater Inspector to be handed over to the county on request.
6 requires side slopes and other disturbed areas to be stabilized with sod, hydro-mulch or another vegetative or non-vegetative erosion control measure, and bare soil or stockpiles left inactive for 14 days or more, or that have reached final grade, must be temporarily or permanently stabilized before the county will schedule a final inspection.
Violations & Fines
Nassau County Engineering Services inspects erosion and sediment control during construction and can require immediate corrective action if sediment leaves the site. A project that repeatedly violates Section 10.6.5 can be held at final inspection, since grass must be fully established and the site restored before the county will sign off, and unresolved violations are referred to the county's special magistrate code enforcement process for administrative fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nassau County require an erosion control plan for construction?
What happens if sediment washes off my construction site in Nassau County?
How long can disturbed soil sit exposed on a Nassau County job site?
Can I clear my lot before installing erosion controls?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nassau County
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