Youngstown, OH Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- SWP3 required
- 1 or more acres disturbed
- Abbreviated SWP3
- 0.1 to 1 acre disturbed
- Pre-construction meeting
- At least 7 days before grading
- Extra inspection fee
- $250 per compliance issue
- 2nd violation fee
- $500 administrative fee
- 3rd+ violation
- $1,000 fee plus Stop Work Order
- Enforcing agency
- City of Youngstown Public Works Department
Summary
Construction projects that disturb an acre or more of land in the City of Youngstown, Ohio must have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan approved by the Public Works Department before grading starts. Chapter 952 requires a scaled-down Abbreviated SWP3 for sites disturbing as little as one-tenth of an acre, and escalating fines apply when erosion controls are not maintained.
This regulation requires that a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) be developed and implemented for all soil disturbing activities disturbing one (1) or more acres of total land, or less than one (1) acre if part of a larger common plan of development or sale disturbing one (1) or more acres of total land. ... (e) Failure to maintain and repair erosion and sediment controls per the approved SWP3 plan may result in the following escalation. ... (2) Second Violation: The City of Youngstown Public Works Department may issue a formal Notice of Violation which may include a $500 administrative fee. ... (3) Third and subsequent violations: The City of Youngstown Public Works Department may issue a Stop Work Order for all construction activities and charge a $1,000 administrative fee. ... (b) Whoever continues any violation or noncompliance beyond the time limit stated in such notice is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree and shall be fined no more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for no more than sixty (60) days, or both, for each offense.
Full Breakdown
Youngstown Codified Ordinances Chapter 952, Erosion and Sediment Control, adopted by Ordinance 22-346 on September 21, 2022, requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) for any soil-disturbing activity, including highways, subdivisions, industrial, commercial, institutional or residential projects, that disturbs one acre or more, or that is part of a larger common plan of development reaching one acre. Section 952.05 requires the lighter-weight Abbreviated SWP3 for new single-family construction, additions, non-residential work, or general clearing that disturbs between one-tenth of an acre and one acre, and the Public Works Department can require a plan for even smaller sites or any project that changes drainage patterns.
Under Section 952.06, the developer must submit two sets of the plan plus fees before a Site Grading and Development Permit issues, hold a pre-construction meeting with Public Works at least seven days before work starts, mark protected and critical areas in the field, and install construction entrances and perimeter sediment barriers before disturbing soil. Section 952.07 makes it unlawful to build, alter or relocate a storm sewer or drainage facility without that permit, and the department can revoke a permit for code violations, danger to life or property, or false statements on the application.
Section 952.12 allows a $250 charge for extra inspections triggered by an unapproved SWP3, missing sediment basins, or turbid dewatering discharges. Aggrieved applicants may appeal Public Works decisions to the Special Assessment Appeals Board under Section 952.15.
Violations & Fines
Section 952.13(e) escalates penalties per site: a first violation draws a Notice of Deficiency with three days to fix it, a second draws a Notice of Violation and a $500 administrative fee, and a third or later violation brings a construction-wide Stop Work Order plus a $1,000 fee. Section 952.99 makes continued noncompliance a third-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 and sixty days in jail per day of violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade or clear land in Youngstown, Ohio?
What triggers the Abbreviated SWP3 in Youngstown?
What happens if erosion controls fail inspection on a Youngstown site?
Can I appeal a Youngstown erosion-control enforcement decision?
Sources & Official References
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