Plymouth, MN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Plan required
- Erosion control plan approved by City Engineer
- Exposure limit
- No bare soil left over 14 days
- Steep-slope rule
- Erosion blanket required on 3:1 or steeper slopes
- Financial guarantee
- $1,500.00 per acre cash escrow or letter of credit
- Violation fee
- $500.00 per erosion control plan violation
Summary
In the City of Plymouth, any subdivider disturbing earth must get an erosion control plan approved by the City Engineer before grading starts. City Code Section 526 caps bare soil exposure at 14 days, requires erosion control blankets on steep slopes, and backs the plan with a $1,500.00-per-acre financial guarantee the City can draw on for noncompliance.
Prior to commencing any earth disturbing activity in a subdivision, the subdivider shall submit an erosion control plan for approval by the City Engineer. The plan shall be approved if it complies with the City's Zoning Ordinance and the requirements contained herein. ... No area shall be left denuded for a period longer than 14 days after initial site grading and other land disturbing operations. A natural-netting erosion control blanket is required on slopes that are 3:1 or steeper. ... In order to guarantee compliance with erosion control measures, a financial guarantee in the form of a non-interest bearing cash escrow or letter of credit satisfactory to the City in the amount of $1,500.00 per acre shall be provided to the City before work is commenced. ... The subdivider shall pay to the City an administration fee of $500.00 for each violation of the erosion control plan.
Full Breakdown
01. 03 spells out the required measures: grading must be staged so no area sits exposed for more than 14 days after initial disturbance, and a natural-netting erosion control blanket is mandatory on slopes of 3:1 or steeper. Temporary vegetation or mulching must protect exposed ground, sediment basins and storm sewer inlet debris guards must be installed and maintained, and permanent vegetation or structures must go in within 30 days of completing initial grading. Erosion control practices must also comply with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's General Permit to Discharge Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity No.
MN-R100001. 00 per acre, which the City can draw on if it has to step in and perform the erosion control work itself. If the City draws on the guarantee, the subdivider has ten days to restore the full amount, and the City will issue no further permits and allow no further inspections in the development until that happens. 00 administration fee for each separate violation of the approved erosion control plan.
Violations & Fines
Failing to follow an approved erosion control plan lets the City issue a stop work order halting all grading and building activity, draw down the subdivider's posted financial guarantee to perform the corrective work itself, and charge a $500.00 administration fee for each violation under Section 526.03, Subdivision 4. If the guarantee is drawn on, the subdivider must replenish it within ten days or all permitting and inspections in the development stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Plymouth require an erosion control plan for new construction?
How long can graded soil sit exposed on a Plymouth construction site?
What financial guarantee does Plymouth require for erosion control?
What is the penalty for violating Plymouth's erosion control plan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle erosion control.