Stearns County, MN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- New plats, commercial/industrial construction
- Stabilization deadline
- 14 days after rough grading
- Standard
- MPCA Minnesota Stormwater Manual
- Extension
- Available only from the Director
- Applies
- To all land-disturbing activity, permitted or not
Summary
Stearns County requires an erosion and sediment control plan before construction of a new plat, or a commercial or industrial facility, under Ordinance 439, Section 7.10. The Environmental Services Department can also demand a plan for any other land-disturbing project it decides could affect the property or its neighbors, and every project must stabilize disturbed soil within fourteen days of rough grading.
An erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Department prior to construction of a new plat or a commercial or industrial facility, or when the Department determines an erosion and sediment control plan is necessary due to potential impacts of construction on the property or surrounding properties. ... No land owner, operator, contractor or applicant shall cause or conduct any land disturbing activity which causes erosion or sedimentation, damages water or soil resources or creates off-site impacts. ... Permanent or temporary soil stabilization shall be applied to disturbed areas (areas where vegetation has been removed or where cuts have been made), as soon as possible, but not to exceed fourteen (14) days after a substantial portion of rough grading has been conducted unless an extension is granted by the Director.
Full Breakdown
10 opens by stating its purpose: to prevent or reduce erosion and sedimentation 'to the most practicable extent' and to protect public waters and stormwater storage areas countywide. 1 applies performance standards to every land-disturbing activity whether or not a permit is required: no landowner, operator, contractor or applicant may cause activity that erodes soil, damages water or soil resources, or creates off-site impacts, and disturbed land must be worked in increments sized so controls can keep pace, exposing 'the smallest practical area' at any one time.
Every construction site, interim use, alteration, conditional use or subdivision permit must meet, at minimum, the erosion control specifications in the MPCA's Minnesota Stormwater Manual. 2 adds specific bans on active gully erosion, increased channel erosion in any watercourse, and unstable slopes that persist after development, and requires permanent or temporary soil stabilization on disturbed ground 'not to exceed fourteen (14) days after a substantial portion of rough grading has been conducted,' unless the Director grants an extension. Required plans must include a location map, a north arrow, and a scale, among other elements.
Violations & Fines
Section 7.10 does not print a fine schedule; it is enforced through the Department's plan-approval and permit process. Construction that proceeds without an approved plan when one is required, or that misses the fourteen-day stabilization deadline without a Director-granted extension, is out of compliance with Sections 7.10.1 and 7.10.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Stearns County require an erosion control plan?
How fast must I stabilize disturbed soil in Stearns County?
Does Stearns County's erosion rule apply if I don't need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stearns County
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