Rochester Hills, MI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 114, Article II regulates drainage and erosion in Rochester Hills to prevent flooding and property damage from improper grading. Section 114-28 adopts the soil erosion and sedimentation control standards developed by the Oakland County Soil Conservation District by reference, together with any city council amendments, and it authorizes the city council to set its own engineering standards for drainage and grading that every person doing construction or grading must follow. Section 114-56 makes it unlawful to build, change, alter or enlarge a structure, change a drainage pattern, or alter natural cover or topography in a way that could cause erosion or sedimentation without first obtaining a land improvement permit.

Before that permit issues, Section 114-57 requires a grading plan showing two-foot contours, existing and proposed grades, building elevations, nearby utility locations, driveway details, and temporary and permanent erosion controls, prepared and sealed by a registered civil engineer, architect or land surveyor. A site plan or subdivision plat approved under Chapter 138 can substitute for a separate grading plan under the exclusion in Section 114-58, and minor landscaping, farming or gardening that will not affect drainage needs no permit at all. The engineering department inspects active sites under Section 114-29 and can stop all grading, drainage or land improvement work the moment site conditions depart from the approved plan, and a permit holder who wants to occupy the property before finishing the required work must post cash, a letter of credit or a bond equal to 150 percent of the estimated remaining cost under Section 114-61.