Pontiac, MI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Pontiac City Code Article IV (Chapter 118, adopted by Ordinance No. 2412 on June 6, 2023) covers construction activity affecting City road rights-of-way, City storm sewers, County drains, and the City's MS4 permit area. Regulated activity includes anything that increases runoff rates or volumes, transports pollutants, or causes erosion or sedimentation of waterways (§ 118-361(g)). Before commencing such work, an applicant must obtain a stormwater construction approval, then a construction permit, which expires two years after issuance unless extended in writing (§ 118-376, § 118-377).

The City may require a performance bond, certified check, or irrevocable letter of credit as financial assurance, and a long-term maintenance agreement recorded against the property (§ 118-378, Division 6). The Director of the Department of Public Services and designated inspectors administer and enforce the program (§ 118-426, § 118-451(d)). A first violation is a municipal civil infraction carrying a $1,000.00 civil fine plus costs; a first repeat offense within 12 months carries a fine of not less than $2,500.00, and a second or later repeat offense not less than $5,000.00 (§ 118-451).

Unpaid fines and costs double if not paid within 28 days of adjudication (§ 118-451(c)). Separately, criminal violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500.00 fine per violation per day, up to 90 days in jail, or both (§ 118-453). Each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense (§ 118-454). A person aggrieved by a City determination may appeal by filing an action with the City of Pontiac Clerk's Office within 28 days (§ 118-466).