St. George, UT Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 1 acre or more of land disturbance
- Plan required with
- Grading permit application, § 9-14-3
- Inspection frequency
- Weekly or bi-weekly BMP checks
- Penalty
- Class B misdemeanor, per-day violation
- Buffer requirement
- 50-ft buffer near state waters
Summary
St. George requires a sediment and erosion control plan for any construction project disturbing one acre or more, or for smaller sites that are part of a larger common development plan, before it will issue a grading permit.
The sediment and erosion control plan shall apply to construction projects disturbing one (1) acre or more, and to construction projects of less than one (1) acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale. The sediment and erosion control plan shall accurately describe the potential for soil erosion and sedimentation problems resulting from land disturbing/grading activity and shall explain and illustrate the measures that are to be taken to control these problems. The length and complexity of the plan is to be commensurate with the size of the project, severity of the site condition, and potential for off-site damage. The erosion and sediment control requirements must be developed and consistent with the most current UPDES storm water general permit for construction activities as described in the State of Utah, Department of Environmental Quality, General Permit for Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and shall include the following as applicable:
1. Provide and maintain natural buffers and/or equivalent erosion and sediment controls when a water of the state is located within fifty feet (50') of the site’s earth disturbances.
2. Preserve naturally vegetated areas where possible and, if feasible, direct storm water to these areas to maximize storm water infiltration and filtering to reduce pollutant discharges.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
St. George City Code chapter 9-14 requires a grading permit for any land disturbance of one acre or more, and the application must include a sediment and erosion control plan describing how the project will control accelerated erosion and sediment runoff during construction. The plan must address perimeter sediment controls, stockpile management, protection of storm drain inlets, and stabilization of exposed soil, and must align with the state's UPDES construction general permit. Projects under a common plan of development need the plan even below one acre. Weekly or bi-weekly BMP inspections are required, with documentation on a city-approved form.
Violations & Fines
Violating the chapter is a class B misdemeanor, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate violation; the city can also issue stop-work orders and recover cleanup costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. George require an erosion control plan for small construction projects?
What happens if a St. George grading site skips required BMP inspections?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
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