West Bloomfield, MI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 1+ acre disturbed, or within 500 ft of water
- Enforcing agency
- Development services department, Sec. 8-363
- Permit term
- Expires one year from issuance, Sec. 8-378(c)
- Building-permit hold
- No building permit until SESC issued, Sec. 8-380
- Enforcement cap
- $10,000 township self-help work before extra notice
Summary
West Bloomfield Township's Sec. 8-376 makes it unlawful to conduct an earth change without a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) permit from the development services department, required whenever the disturbance covers an acre or more or lies within 500 feet of state waters or wetlands.
(a)It shall be unlawful to permit, authorize or conduct an earth change without first obtaining a SESC permit with approved SESC plans from the development services department unless a permit and/or plans are not required under the provisions of this article, Part 91, or the Rules.(b)SESC permit requirements. Unless otherwise exempt by this article, Part 91, or the Rules, a landowner or designated agent who contracts for, allows, or engages in, an earth change in this township shall obtain a SESC permit from the development services department which shall be kept current throughout all active earth change operations, before commencing an earth change which:(1)Disturbs one (1) or more acres of land; or(2)Is within five hundred (500) feet of any waters of the state and wetlands. ... (c)A person who knowingly violates Part 91, the Rules or this article shall be issued a municipal civil infraction citation authorized by the Revised Judicature Act, MCL 600.8701, et seq.; and section 1-10 of the Code of Ordinances.
Full Breakdown
Adopted under Sec. 8-360 pursuant to Part 91 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.9101 et seq., Article XV names the development services department as the Municipal Enforcing Agency (Sec. 8-363). Sec. 8-376(a)-(b) requires any landowner or designated agent to obtain an SESC permit before commencing an earth change that disturbs one or more acres of land, or that falls within 500 feet of any waters of the state or wetlands, and to keep that permit current throughout active operations. Sec. 8-377 exempts limited activities, agricultural plowing, minor earth changes stabilized within 24 hours, and small residential jobs like post holes or lawn seeding away from the water, but Sec.
8-377(b) makes clear even exempt work loses its exemption if it causes an erosion or sedimentation problem. Sec. 8-378 bars issuance where the work would cause uncontrolled erosion or safety hazards, and sets a one-year permit expiration. Sec. 8-380 blocks a building permit from issuing on the same project until the SESC permit and approved plans are secured. Sec. 8-383(a)-(b) lets the township recover its enforcement costs from noncompliant landowners and place a lien on the property, and Sec. 8-383(e) allows a court to order restoration of the affected land.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 8-383(c) makes a knowing violation of Part 91, the state rules, or this article a municipal civil infraction under Sec. 1-10, with civil fines deposited to the township's general fund. Sec. 8-383(e) adds that a violator is also liable to the state for damages to natural resources and can be ordered by a court to restore the site to its pre-violation condition or otherwise abate the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade or clear land in West Bloomfield Township?
Are any activities exempt from the erosion permit?
Can I get my building permit before the erosion permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Bloomfield
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Oakland County handle erosion control.