Changes to Grading Permit and Process
Update: May 11, 2023, The City will not be moving forward with collecting an ESC Deposit upfront as part of permit issuance as initially scheduled for May 15th, 2023. The City is exploring alternative options to collecting a deposit, for example, performance bonding based on a percentage of the total project valuation. Please stay tuned for additional information to come regarding this procedure. All other items outlined in the April 5th, 2023 update letter will remain effective.
- The ESC Deposit/Escrow will be collected along with the permit fee, upfront prior to permit issuance. The deposit will be returned upon completion of the project and may be used in corrective actions for site compliance issues.
Deposit/Escrow amount collected:
- Residential Deposit: $1,000.00
- Commercial/Industrial/Subdivision: $10,000.00
- Certified Inspector and Contractor Information will not be required to progress through the application. However, it will need to be uploaded prior to permit issuance.
- All applications will require uploading the entire construction document drawings/plan set. (i.e. Civil, Architectural, Landscaping, Structural, Mechanical, etc.)
- Self-inspection records will be required to be uploaded to close permit record.
- Representative photographs of the site in its final condition will be required to close permit record.
The following changes will be made effective May 15th, 2023:
2023 MPCA NPDES/SDS Construction Stormwater General Permit (effective August 1st, 2023)
The public comment period has ended for the revised MPCA construction permit. MPCA response to comments is expected soon. The following items are of note:
- EPA is contending to require mandatory MPCA review of all projects greater than 1 acre, regardless of size.
- Requirement of photographing and documenting any dewatering activities every 4 hours.
- Requirement of removing sediment discharge from any adjacent property, regardless of surface water.
Additional information can be found on the MPCA’s Construction Stormwater website
Notify Me and Construction Stormwater Webpage
Please subscribe to the City’s Notify Me to stay current on important code, permitting, and program update news from Public Works and Stormwater Management. Eventually, we will be phasing out direct emails from the Stormwater Specialist. Make sure to select Public Works and Stormwater communications under Newsflash.
Our Construction Stormwater webpage is also the best resource for information regarding the Grading Permit and stormwater requirements for construction projects.