Oakland County, MI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Part 91 of NREPA, MCL 324.9101 et seq.
- Permit Trigger
- 1+ acre earth change OR within 500 ft of water
- Review Fee
- $75
- Re-Inspection Fee
- $75 (if not corrected in 5 days)
- Max Civil Fine
- Up to $2,500/day (state civil infraction)
- Max Criminal Fine
- Up to $25,000/day (willful violation)
- Authority
- Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
Summary
Any earth change of 1 acre or more, or any earth change within 500 feet of a lake, stream, wetland, or county drain in Oakland County, requires a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) permit from the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. The program is administered under Part 91 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), Act 451 of 1994 (MCL 324.9101 et seq.).
"Earth change" means a human-made change in the natural cover or topography of land, including cut and fill activities, which may result in or contribute to soil erosion or sedimentation of the waters of the state. Earth change does not include the practice of plowing and tilling soil for the purpose of crop production.
Full Breakdown
9101). Plowing or tilling for crops is excluded. Before earth-moving begins, the applicant submits a SESC plan that identifies sediment traps, sediment basins, silt fencing, stone filters at storm inlets, stabilized construction entrances, and a schedule for permanent vegetative cover. The WRC charges a $75 application review fee; the inspection-based permit fee is calculated by the inspector and is due when the permit is picked up. Sites that remain disturbed past the permit expiration are billed renewal fees in 3-month increments until permanent vegetation is established.
A $75 re-inspection fee is assessed if violations are not corrected within the 5-day correction window. 9105 and may delegate enforcement to municipalities that have adopted equivalent local SESC ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Under MCL 324.9119, a person who violates Part 91 is responsible for a state civil infraction with a civil fine of up to $2,500 per day plus costs, and for willful or reckless violations, criminal misdemeanor charges up to $25,000 per day. The WRC may issue cease and desist orders and require full site restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a county SESC permit for a driveway repaving?
How long does the permit last?
What controls must I install on a typical home site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland County
Compare Oakland County to another location·View the Michigan environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.