To comply with our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Permit, the City of Cedar Rapids generated and enforces Chapter 71 “Erosion and Sediment Controls for Construction Sites” of the Municipal Code. This ordinance divides construction activity into Major and Minor sites. A Minor Erosion Control Permit shall be obtained by sites or common plans of development or sale that will result in a disturbed area of greater than ¼ of an acre but less than an acre of land.
Importance of Minor Site Erosion Control
Minor Site lot development has the potential to produce large amounts of sediment runoff. Once a lot is stripped of its vegetation soil particles become highly susceptible to raindrop impact and/or surface runoff. If sediment runoff does occur it can produce hazardous transportation conditions, storm sewer blockages, compromises stormwater management structures, drainage ditches and waterways.
Minor Erosion Control Permits
The City of Cedar Rapids has two types of Minor Erosion Control Permit Applications. The Minor Erosion Control Permit for Residential Lot Development and the Minor Erosion Control Permit for Commercial Development.
|
Single Family Residential Lot Development |
Multi-family Residential and Commercial Lot Development |
|---|---|
If the future developing lot is associated with an active NPDES General Permit No.2 site (development), one of the two lot transfer agreements “Same Authorization” or “Separate Authorization” is required with the submittal of the minor erosion control permit and site plan. (Click here for a list of residential developments with an active NPDES General Permit No.2)
If a “Separate Authorization” agreement is utilized an NPDES General Permit No.2 and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) shall accompany the Minor Erosion Control submittal process.
To obtain an NPDES General Permit No.2 a Notice of Intent (NOI) must be completed and submitted to the IDNR. This can be done by clicking on the (IDNR’s NPDES General Permit No.2) link above. (No Public Notice is required since the lot is part of a larger development with an existing NPDES GP2.)
To assist with developing a SWPPP for only residential lots the City has provided the EPA’s Residential Lot SWPPP template below.
If a “Same Authorization” agreement is utilized there are no additional permit and documents required for the Minor Erosion Control submittal process.
| Same Authorization | Separate Authorization |
| No additional permits or documentation | IDNR's NPDES GP2 Notice of Intent (Required) |
| Residential Lot SWPPP Template (Required) |
(Please review the backside of the agreements for additional permit, documents, and required inspections per agreement.)
Commercial Lot Development Water Quality Requirement
Redevelopment projects that involve the addition of greater than 0.10 acres of impervious surface will require water quality improvements.
- If 50%, or greater of the entire site is disturbed, water quality volume shall be based on the entire site.
- If less than 50% of the entire site is disturbed, water quality volume shall be based on the increased impervious area.
Exemptions
The following activities are exempt from the requirements of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Code Chapter 71, and do not require a permit:
- Crop production activities;
- Cemetery graves;
- Emergencies posing an immediate danger to life or property, or substantial flood or fire hazards;
- Total fill quantity of less than 25 cubic yards in a 12 month time period;
- Public improvements.
For construction sites disturbing an acre or greater, please refer to the Major Site Construction information.
