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1. Why is it so important to get my lawn in and landscaping done?

Soil Erosion is a major contributor to pollution in our waterways. Uncontrolled runoff during weather events, i.e., wind and rain, can move the soil off-site and into our lakes and streams. The dirt may move off-site through ditches, pipes or across the property and be deposited into a creek, stream, or wetland.

Sediment can clog pipes and leave streets a muddy mess. It can destroy natural areas, wetlands, creeks, and harm the plants and creatures living there. Residual sediment can damage habitat for insects and fish.

The State of Michigan (Part 91 of Public Act 451 of 1994) enacted legislation to address this problem. The Clinton County Building Department has the authority to enforce the Soil Erosion program for many Clinton County communities. The State of Michigan oversees all local programs and referrals, special concerns, and relation pollution incidents.

2. My builder took care of all the permits. What are my responsibilities?

When construction of your home began, the builder was required to obtain a permit or a waiver from Clinton County to protect the environment from soil erosion.

As a new homeowner, you now have that responsibility until your lot has permanent vegetation and landscaping in place.

If your home had a permit as part of your property purchase, you should have received a permit transfer making it your responsibility to maintain the control measures and ensure they function properly, according to the plan your builder submitted for the permit. If your home had a waiver, you still must maintain or install controls to stop soil from eroding off your site. Checklists, Forms, Permits, and Worksheets Page

3. How does the permit transfer happen?

To transfer a permit, the landowner or builder (initial permit holder) and new homeowner must complete a Permit Transfer Information Form.

The Soil Permit Transfer form with original signatures, then needs to be submitted to the Clinton County Building Department. The transfer will be complete upon an approved site inspection. A permit cannot be transferred if there are any outstanding balances or violations against the permit. Permit Transfer Information Form (PDF)

4. What are my responsibilities after the transfer?

Your responsibilities may vary depending on the slope and nature of your site. See the Responsibilities After Transfer page for more information. Responsibilities After Transfer Page

5. What if I do not maintain my controls?

You will get a letter from a Soil Erosion Enforcement Officer saying that you are not in compliance and you have 5 days to fix the items listed. If they are not corrected, you could be subject to one or all of the following: a notice of violation with a $100.00 fee, a fine of $2,500 to $25,000 a day, the cost of the Clinton County Building Department installing the necessary controls, or a stop work order and/or other legal action to get the site into compliance.

6. How do I close the permit?

When you believe that all permanent vegetation is in place (90% growth, 1 inch tall on every square foot), you can request a final completion inspection by calling the inspection line at 989-224-5183.

7. Are there any additional fees (renewals)?

If the site remains permitted for more than the duration set when the permit was applied for, you will need to pay renewal fees in 2-month increments until it has final vegetation.