Tazewell County, IL Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 151, 'Erosion Control,' bars land disturbance countywide unless the owner first gets a permit. 02(A) states that 'no land surface shall be disturbed' unless an erosion and sediment control permit, or the larger erosion, sediment, and stormwater control permit, 'has first been issued for that project,' with three exceptions: disturbances under 5,000 square feet that don't involve a new single- or two-family dwelling, normal agricultural practices, and routine maintenance of roads and utility service lines. 05 sets the permit process for smaller projects: anyone building a new single- or two-family dwelling, or disturbing 5,000 square feet or more, must file a standard plan application (for slopes under 10% with no concentrated flow areas or water bodies on site) or a site specific plan (for steeper or wetter sites), paying a $175 fee for a standard plan or $250 for a site specific plan, though government and agricultural projects pay nothing.

The Erosion Control Administrator must approve or deny a standard plan within two working days and a site specific plan within five working days of a complete filing, or the application is deemed approved. 04 requires sediment control measures to be installed and functioning before any clearing, grading, or excavation begins, and to stay in place until permanent ground cover, such as pavement, sod, or seeded vegetation, is established, generally within three days of removing the sediment barriers. 05(E) further requires permanent ground cover on all disturbed areas within six months of project completion or occupancy, whichever comes first.