Michigan has no statewide grading permit. In Saginaw County, earthwork disturbing one acre triggers a Part 91 soil erosion permit, and the county drain system, run under the Michigan Drain Code, governs how farmland and lots drain.
Grading here is controlled through soil erosion rules and the county drain network rather than a single grading permit. Any earth change disturbing one acre or more, or within 500 feet of a lake or stream, needs a Part 91 soil erosion permit from the county. Because Saginaw County is flat, tile-drained farmland, drainage runs largely through established county drains administered by the Saginaw County Drain (Water Resources) Commissioner under the Michigan Drain Code, 1956 PA 40 (MCL §280.1 et seq.). Connecting to, altering, or obstructing a county drain requires the Commissioner's approval. Site grading must not divert concentrated runoff onto a neighboring parcel, which creates civil liability regardless of the acreage disturbed.
Grading an acre without a soil erosion permit draws Part 91 stop-work orders and penalties. Obstructing a county drain or diverting concentrated runoff onto a neighbor brings Drain Commissioner enforcement and civil liability for drainage damage.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Saginaw County, MI
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See how Saginaw County's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
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