Warren, MI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

). Sec. 32-26 requires written permission from the city engineer before anyone adds, removes, deposits, regrades, or otherwise disturbs soil in a way that impedes, inhibits, or significantly changes the preexisting drainage pattern. Once permission is granted, Sec. 32-3 requires the operation to leave the site with no sharp declivities, pits, or depressions, properly leveled, cleared of debris, and graded to the contour lines and grades the division of engineering approved. Sec. 32-4 requires the top six inches of arable soil to be set aside and respread over the site once the rest of the soil has been removed, and Sec.

32-5 bars removing soil below the established street grade except for an approved building project with a permit and signed construction contract. The permit application under Sec. 32-27 requires a $50 nonrefundable filing fee and a map showing existing and proposed contour grades; the director of public service, per Sec. 32-28, must weigh whether the work would create a nuisance, deplete natural resources, or endanger public health or safety before approving it. Sec. 32-29 lets the director deny a permit if the work would cause soil erosion, fertility problems, or drainage or sewerage issues, and any approval is valid for only one year unless extended.

Before work starts, Sec. 32-30 requires a bond scaled to acreage, $500 for under one acre up to $5,000 plus $1,000 per acre over five acres, that the city can forfeit if trucks track dirt onto adjacent streets, grading isn't kept level during hauling, or approved grade levels aren't maintained and certified by a civil engineer at completion.