West Allis, WI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 4,000 sq ft or 400 cu yd disturbed
- Approval needed
- Control plan + Building Inspector permit
- Permit length
- 180 days, extendable
- Bond required
- If control cost exceeds $5,000
Summary
West Allis requires a Building Inspector-approved control plan and permit before any construction site disturbs 4,000 square feet or more of ground, to keep sediment out of city waters.
Those involving grading, removal of protective ground cover or vegetation, excavation, land filling or other land disturbing activity affecting a surface area of four thousand (4,000) square feet or more. ... No land owner or land user may commence a land disturbance or land development activity subject to this section without the owner or agent for the owner obtaining prior approval of a control plan for the site and a permit from the Building Inspector.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
West Allis regulates erosion under authority of Wis. Stat. § 62.234, requiring a permit and Building Inspector-approved control plan before land-disturbing work such as grading, excavation, or fill on 4,000 square feet or more, 400+ cubic yards of material, or projects tied to a subdivision plat or certified survey. Required control measures, filter fences, inlet protection, stabilization of bare soil left exposed seven or more days, sedimentation basins on large sites, must follow the DNR's Construction Site Best Management Practice Handbook. Sites over $5,000 in control costs must post a surety bond, and the Building Inspector can issue stop-work orders for noncompliance.
Violations & Fines
Starting land-disturbing work of 4,000+ square feet without an approved control plan and permit, or failing to install or maintain required erosion controls, can draw a stop-work order and revocation of the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade my lot before building?
What happens if I don't control erosion on a construction site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle erosion control.