Erosion Control Permit

Required for construction activities that disturb soil and could cause erosion or sediment runoff in Wisconsin. Municipalities enforce erosion control under their local ordinances, which must meet or exceed the state standards in NR 216. Erosion control measures (silt fencing, sediment basins, stabilized construction entrances) must be in place before land disturbance begins.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$50–$500
flat
Typical Timeline
1–3 weeks
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Erosion Control Permit Required?

  • Construction projects disturbing soil (thresholds vary by municipality)
  • Grading, excavation, or land clearing activities
  • Projects within 300 feet of a navigable waterway
  • Any project requiring a state WPDES stormwater permit

When Is a Erosion Control Permit NOT Required?

  • Minor landscaping and gardening
  • Emergency erosion repair measures

Related Permits You May Also Need

Stormwater Management Permit
Required for development projects that create or increase impervious surfaces or alter stormwater drainage patterns in Wisconsin. Municipalities enforce stormwater management requirements under NR 151 and NR 216 (administered by Wisconsin DNR). Projects disturbing one or more acres also need a separate state WPDES construction stormwater permit from the DNR.
→
Grading/Excavation Permit
Required for earth-moving activities including grading, filling, excavation, and land clearing in Wisconsin. Municipalities regulate grading to manage stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, protect neighboring properties, and ensure proper drainage. Projects disturbing more than one acre also require a Wisconsin DNR stormwater permit (WPDES).
→
Residential Building Permit
Required for new single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family dwellings in Wisconsin. The state enforces the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) statewide through DSPS, but municipalities issue permits and conduct inspections locally. Plans must comply with SPS 320–325 for structural, energy, and safety requirements.
→

Erosion Control Permit Fees by Municipality

Fee and processing time data for erosion control permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$1502-4 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$1752-4 weeksCurrent

Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.

Frequently Asked Questions — Erosion Control Permit

What erosion control measures are required in Wisconsin?

Common required erosion control measures include silt fencing along the site perimeter, stabilized construction entrances (stone pads), sediment basins or traps, inlet protection for storm drains, temporary seeding or mulching of disturbed areas, and dust control. Specific requirements depend on the project size, slope, and proximity to waterways.

When must erosion control be installed in Wisconsin?

Erosion control measures must be installed before any land disturbance begins. This is a condition of both the municipal erosion control permit and the state WPDES construction stormwater permit. Inspectors will verify that erosion control is in place before other construction permits are activated.

For Professionals

Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?

Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.

No credit card required. Free for up to 3 locations.