MPCA's NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit, authorized under Minn. Stat. Ch. 115, applies statewide to land-disturbing activities of one acre or more, requiring SWPPPs, BMPs, and inspection regardless of which city issues the building permit.
Any construction project disturbing one or more acres of land, or part of a common plan totaling one acre, must obtain coverage under MPCA's Construction Stormwater General Permit and follow the required Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Operators must install perimeter sediment controls, stabilize exposed soils within 7 or 14 days depending on slope, manage dewatering, and conduct weekly and post-rain inspections. Permanent treatment must achieve volume retention or filtration consistent with the MN Stormwater Manual. Local governments may adopt additional erosion ordinances but cannot weaken MPCA permit requirements, and most communities incorporate the state standards by reference.
Civil penalties up to $25,000 per day under Minn. Stat. 115.071, stop-work orders, and corrective restoration may apply for unpermitted disturbance or SWPPP failures.
See how Prior Lake's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.