Macomb County Public Works Office (Public Works Commissioner)

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permit (commercial/industrial)

Under the county Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, a permit from the Macomb County Public Works Commissioner is required before an earth change that disturbs one or more acres or is within 500 feet of a lake, stream or drain. The ordinance does not apply within a local unit granted municipal enforcing agency status; the county coverage map names Sterling Heights and St. Clair Shores as running their own soil erosion programs. The county's 2026 Soil Erosion Control Permit Fees, effective January 1, 2026, set $1,082 for a commercial or industrial project under 20 acres (1-year term) and $2,055 for one of 20 acres or larger (2-year term), with double fees if work starts before the permit is issued. Section H allows a bond at the Commissioner's discretion of not less than $1,500 per acre of earth change. Section L bars a local unit that issues building permits, other than a municipal enforcing agency, from issuing one for a covered earth change until the county permit or waiver is issued.