Erosion and Sediment Control

When digging or building happens, it's important to keep loose soil in place — and out of our streets, storm drains and waterways.

At the City of Hastings, we require everyone to control soil erosion on their property during construction. This helps keep our rivers and lakes clean and protects nearby property from damage.

What Property Owners Must Do

If you’re working on a building project — whether it’s a new home or a commercial site — you must:

Submit an erosion control plan before you get a building permit
Follow the rules in the current NPDES Stormwater Construction Permit.
Use erosion control tools like:

• Silt fence
• Silt socks
• Straw mulch
• Rock entrances

These are called Best Management Practices (BMPs) and they help stop soil from washing away during rain or snowmelt.

What the City Does

Once your plan is approved and work begins:

• We’ll send a city inspector to check your erosion control weekly or after big storms.
• If something is not working or missing, we’ll contact you to fix it right away.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply

If erosion control measures are not installed or maintained, you may:

Lose your right to future building inspections
Be delayed in getting your Certificate of Occupancy
Be charged for cleanup costs like street sweeping or other services

Click here for a list of approved products and suppliers

Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact the Engineering Department for guidance before you start your project 651-480-2334.