Summit County, OH Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- SWP3 trigger
- 1+ acre of soil disturbance
- Jurisdiction
- unincorporated Summit County only
- Re-inspection fee
- $250 per Notice of Violation
- Civil fine
- $100-$500 per day of violation
- Appeal deadline
- 90 days to the Planning Commission
Summary
Summit County requires a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for any project in the unincorporated county that disturbs one acre or more of soil, from subdivisions to farm building activity, under Chapter 941. The Summit Soil and Water Conservation District reviews and inspects every plan and can issue a stop-work order and pursue fines for a violation.
This Chapter requires that a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) be developed and implemented for all soil disturbing activities disturbing one or more acres of total land or will disturb less than an acre of land but are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb one or more acres of land in the unincorporated areas of the County of Summit and on which any regulated activity of Section 941.01(c) is proposed. For parcels less than one acre in size a SWP3 may not be required; however the owner shall comply with all other provisions of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
01(d) for activity already regulated under the state's Agricultural Sediment Pollution Abatement Rules. 05(a) sets the numeric trigger: a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, or SWP3, must be developed and implemented for any soil-disturbing activity that disturbs one acre or more of land, or a smaller phase of a larger plan that will ultimately reach one acre; parcels under an acre may skip the SWP3 but must still follow the chapter's other rules. 06 routes the SWP3 and required fees through the Summit Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the County Engineer.
10 charges the SWCD's current fee schedule for plan review, filing and inspection, plus a $250 re-inspection fee for every Notice of Violation until the site is brought back into compliance. 15 wherever an SWP3 is required, and the bond is not released until the SWP3 is satisfied. 12 gives the SWCD inspection authority over every development site to confirm compliance with the approved plan.
Violations & Fines
Section 941.13 lets the SWCD issue an immediate stop-work order if a violator never obtained the required permits, and a notice of violation in any case; if the violation continues 30 days after the first notice and 15 more days after a second notice, the SWCD can issue a stop-work order with the County Prosecutor's approval. A Court of Common Pleas injunction under Section 941.13(e) can carry a civil fine of $100 to $500 per day, and Section 941.14 gives an aggrieved party 90 days to appeal any action to the Summit County Planning Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Summit County require an erosion control plan?
Who reviews and inspects erosion control plans in Summit County?
What penalties apply for violating Summit County's erosion control rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Summit County
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