Marathon County, WI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Disturbing more than one acre
- Approval needed
- DNR sign-off before earthwork begins
- Governs
- Unincorporated towns only, not cities
- Code chapter
- Ch. 18, Land Division and Surveying
Summary
Marathon County requires developers disturbing more than one acre during a land division to prepare a DNR-approved soil erosion control and stormwater management plan before starting earthwork.
When the developer intends to remove or disturb the natural topsoil, trees, and other vegetation, and/or add impervious surfaces, or where the developer intends to change the surface contour of a proposed subdivision, the developer shall prepare a soil erosion control and stormwater management plan and have such plan approved by the DNR prior to the commencement of earthwork. The soil erosion control and stormwater management plan shall be included in the improvement plan drawings for disturbed areas greater than one acre.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Land Division and Surveying Code, any developer who strips topsoil, clears vegetation, adds impervious surface, or reshapes land in a proposed subdivision must prepare a soil erosion control and stormwater management plan and get DNR approval before earthwork starts. Once disturbed land exceeds one acre, the plan must be built into the subdivision's improvement-plan drawings and cover phased construction, minimized clearing, temporary and permanent seeding, and structural erosion and sediment controls. The rule reaches land divisions in the county's unincorporated towns; it does not apply inside Wausau or the county's incorporated cities and villages, which regulate their own subdivisions.
Violations & Fines
The Committee withholds final plat approval and requires plan revisions and additional erosion-potential studies until a project's soil erosion control plan meets DNR standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Marathon County require an erosion control permit for construction?
Does this rule apply inside Wausau or Mosinee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marathon County
Compare Marathon County to another location·View the Wisconsin environmental rules overview
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