Pierce County, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

020 requires every project holding a Pierce County site development permit to post a Reclamation Guarantee before the permit is approved, specifically to ensure that adequate erosion control measures are employed during the course of construction and that permanent stabilization is achieved once significant activity ends. The guarantee is set at $1,500 per acre to be disturbed, with a $1,500 minimum, and it exists so the County can step in and stabilize a site itself if a builder abandons the project, which the code defines as a failure to respond to noted deficiencies or to finish improvements before the permit expires.

The County Inspector recommends release of the guarantee only when little potential for erosion, sedimentation, or stormwater impacts remains on the site, and that release comes after the conclusion of significant construction activity. If the County identifies a deficiency in erosion control, site stabilization, or signs of abandonment, it sends the principal written notice, and the principal has 10 calendar days to respond before the County starts collection proceedings on the guarantee. B bars construction from starting until initial Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan measures, including a stabilized construction entrance, silt fence, and construction limit fencing, are installed.

a must still work through the Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual's 13 elements of pollution prevention for the site. 090 will not issue until the site soils have reached permanent stabilization.