Yuma, AZ Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Chapter 156 of the Yuma City Code applies to any development or construction disturbing one acre or more on public or private projects, or one-half acre or more on City-owned linear projects (§ 156-02). Before the City issues a building or grading permit, the applicant must submit a SWPPP containing an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) for review, and ADEQ must have granted AZPDES Construction General Permit coverage (§ 156-04(A)). Emergency work and existing permitted agricultural or nursery operations are exempt from the SWPPP requirement (§ 156-04(B)).

Fees run $177 for SWPPP inspection and $168 for plan review for the first ten acres, plus $19 and $28 respectively for each additional five acres, adjusted every July 1 by the West Urban CPI (§ 156-04(E)). The City Engineer must act on an application within 30 calendar days or the applicant may treat it as approved (§ 156-05(B)). Design requirements cap cut and fill slopes at 4:1 absent City Engineer approval, require soil stabilization within 14 days of clearing or a halt in construction, require reseeding or a non-vegetative fix if vegetative cover has not established within three weeks, and cap allowable soil loss at five tons per acre per year using RUSLE or MUSLE calculations (§ 156-07(A), (E)(1)-(2), (C)(7)).

Phasing is mandatory on any site disturbing more than 40 acres (§ 156-07(D)). Inspectors must be notified at least two working days ahead of the start of construction, completion of rough grading, final grading and final landscaping (§ 156-08(A)). Projects of one acre or larger must post a project information sign at the main entrance (§ 156-10). 4, and unpaved vacant lots, parking lots and roadways not requiring a permit, are exempt (§ 156-11).