Eroded sediment in storm water runoff is the leading source of pollution for Minnesota's surface waters. Material displaced as a result of construction activity contributes more sediment to receiving water bodies than what would be normally deposited.

The increased sediment loadings cause physical and biological harm to our valuable water resources. The EPA estimates that 20-150 tons of soil per acre is lost to storm water runoff from construction sites. 

Controlling erosion can significantly reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants that result from construction site runoff.

Any time a significant amount of soil is being displaced or a drainage pattern is being altered the City requires a grading plan and permit. A grading permit application must first be completed and submitted with the grading plan.

The ordinance outlines what the plan should address and specifies what it should include. After review by the Engineering Division, a permit will/will not be issued. Any contractor doing grading work in Maplewood must be licensed by the city before receiving the permit. 

Permit fees for grading permits are based on the 1997 UBC fee schedule, adjusted annually for inflation.

Grading permits are only available from the Engineering Division at the Maplewood Public Works building, directly northeast of City Hall, at:
1902 County Road B East - between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm
(651) 249-2400

The contractor/owner will be required to sign an erosion control compliance agreement, pay a grading permit fee and provide an escrow deposit, to the city, when picking up the grading permit.

The escrow amount will vary on miscellaneous permits but a minimum of $2500/lot or $2500/acre will be required for new construction. The escrow will be returned, with interest, after a final inspection when the turf has been established.

Retaining walls four feet or higher require a building permit and must be designed and certified by a qualified professional engineer or landscape architect.