Pottstown, PA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 9, Part 1 exists 'to regulate the modification of the natural terrain and the alteration of drainage to provide for certain erosion and sediment control measures within the Borough,' and it applies to every subdivision, land development, new structure or use change reviewed under the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 27) or the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter 22), subject to Montgomery County Conservation District review under § 9-104. Section 9-106 lists what triggers a grading permit: modifying or diverting the natural flow of stormwater, building a drainage dam, ditch, culvert or drainpipe, paving, filling or regrading land (including private streets and alleys), or disturbing landscape or ground cover on more than 499 square feet.

Farming, gardening, lawn work and resurfacing that doesn't change drainage are exempt under § 9-107. Applicants file with the Pottstown Borough Code Enforcement Office under § 9-108, pay a fee set in the Borough's fee schedule, and submit a plan under §§ 9-105 and 9-109 showing the amount of site alteration, existing and proposed grades, the construction schedule and both temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control practices. Section 9-114 puts the Code Enforcement Office in charge of random inspections plus a final inspection that has to be satisfied before a use-and-occupancy permit issues.

Section 9-118 requires anyone who disturbs landscape or ground cover in violation of the Part to restore the site, including replacing excavated earth, removing illegal fill and rebuilding grades and plantings, on top of any fine.