Sterling Heights, MI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Office of Engineering
- Permit trigger
- Any grading, excavation, or earth change
- Max daily fine
- $25,000 for repeat violations
- Acreage exemption
- Under 1 acre, 500+ feet from water
Summary
Sterling Heights requires a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control permit from the Office of Engineering before any grading, excavation, or earth change under Chapter 17, enforcing Michigan's Part 91 erosion law within Macomb County.
Except as exempted by sections 17-15 of this chapter, no person shall remove any earth materials, perform or undertake any grading, operate a soil excavation site or landfill, deposit land within the City, nor undertake any earth change unless a valid soil erosion and sedimentation control permit has been issued by the Office of Engineering. A landowner or designated agent shall submit an application for a permit to the Office of Engineering.
(B) Permit application. A separate application shall be required for each soil erosion and sedimentation control permit. Plans, specifications, and timing schedules shall be submitted with each application for a permit. The plans shall be prepared or approved and signed by a registered professional engineer or by an architect. The Office of Engineering may waive the preparation or approval and signature by the registered professional engineer or architect when the work entails little hazard to the adjacent property and does not include the construction of a fill upon which a structure may be erected.
(C) Application procedure. The written application for a permit required by this chapter shall be made on forms provided by the Office of Engineering. Each application shall contain:
(1) Full names and address of all parties with an interest in the premises, setting forth their legal interest;
(2) A full, complete legal description of the premises where the proposed earth change is to take place.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 17 of the Sterling Heights Code of Ordinances implements Part 91 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. Before removing earth materials, grading, excavating, or filling land, an owner must obtain a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) permit from the city's Office of Engineering, backed by an engineer-approved SESC plan and, for larger jobs, a cash or bank-letter-of-credit bond. Earth changes disturbing under one acre and more than 500 feet from a lake or stream, minor jobs stabilized within 24 hours, and routine road or driveway maintenance are exempt under § 17-15.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 17 is a municipal civil infraction; knowing violations carry fines up to $10,000 per day, and repeat violations after a notice can reach $25,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade my Sterling Heights yard?
Who enforces Sterling Heights' erosion control rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle erosion control.