Frequently Asked Questions About SESC Permitting
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF A NEED A SESC PERMIT?
A: A permit is generally required for any earth change that disturbs one or more acres, or is within 500 feet of a lake or stream. Exempted activities include plowing and tilling for crop production and some logging and mining activities. Access roads to the logging and mining sites and ancillary activities associated with logging and mining operations are not exempt. The removal of clay, gravel, sand, peat, or topsoil is not considered “mining” and therefore requires a permit. Cutting trees and removing stumps to accommodate future development activities is not “logging” and permits are required. Certain earth change activities are exempted. If you have any questions, please call the Ingham County Drain Office at 517-676-8395. If your earth change activity is exempted, you may still need a waiver from the enforcing agency to show a building department for a building permit.
Q: IF MY EARTH CHANGE ACTIVITY IS EXEMPTED, AM I GOOD TO GO TO START MY EARTH DISTURBANCE?
A: No, you may still need a waiver to show the building department if you need a building permit. The waiver is a document from the enforcing agency that shows your earth disturbance is exempt. Also, all earth disturbance must comply to Part 91 with or without a permit. In other words, you must minimize soil erosion and sedimentation to protect the waters of the state and adjoining properties.
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF THE INGHAM COUNTY DRAIN OFFICE IS THE RIGHT ENFORCING AGENCY FOR MY PERMIT?
A: Please visit the Jurisdiction Map to see where ICDC is the designated County Enforcing Agency for SESC.
Q: HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PERMIT?
A: Permit can be applied for in person at the drain office, by mail, or online. A complete application includes the SESC application form, SESC plan, and fee.
Q: WHAT INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE ON A SOIL EROSION PLAN?
A: Soil erosion plans must include state prescribed information outlined in the part 91 rules. See the checklist and sample plans provided on this website. If you need assistance please contact the Ingham County Drain Commissioner Office at 517-676-8395. We are happy to help.
Q: HOW DO I PAY MY FEE?
A: Even though you can fill out your application and submit your plan online, you will have to mail in your fee or deliver it to:
707 Buhl Avenue
P.O. Box 220
Mason, MI 48854
Please make checks out to: Ingham County Drain Commissioner
Q: WHAT IF MY EARTH DISTURBANCE IS NEAR A WETLAND?
A: Because waters of the state (including regulated wetlands) must be protected pursuant to Section 9116, Part 91 enforcing agencies can with-hold issuing SESC permits and require a wetland identification/delineation prior to issuing a SESC permit if they suspect an area may be regulated wetland.