Portland City Code Title 10 establishes mandatory erosion and sediment control requirements for all ground-disturbing activities. The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) administers the program, requiring Erosion and Sediment Control Plans for construction sites. Portland's program implements federal Clean Water Act and Oregon DEQ NPDES permit requirements.
Any ground disturbance requires erosion controls. Sites disturbing 500 square feet or more need a formal Erosion and Sediment Control Plan approved by BES. Controls must be installed before grading begins and maintained throughout construction. The Erosion and Sediment Control Manual specifies BMPs including silt fences, sediment traps, check dams, and stabilized construction entrances. Wet-season work (October 1 to May 31) triggers additional requirements.
Violations of Title 10 carry civil penalties. BES inspectors conduct site inspections and can issue stop-work orders for non-compliance. Sediment-laden runoff entering the stormwater system or waterways triggers immediate enforcement. Repeat violations escalate to higher fines and potential referral to Oregon DEQ.
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See how Portland's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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