As part of the City’s recent adoption of a revised Land Development Code, effective April 1, 2025, the City now has a new requirement for a Land Disturbance Permit. Applications for the Land Disturbance Permit will begin June 1, 2025.
A Land Disturbance Permit enables the City to meet the requirements of its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit to require erosion and sediment controls and best management practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from development activities within the City.
A Land Disturbance Permit is required prior to the following land disturbance activities:
- Earthwork
- Vegetation or natural cover removal
- Soil disturbance
- Clearing, grubbing, grading, excavation
- Placement of fill or filling
- Tree removal, unless the entire root/stump structure is left in place
- Any other activity that may cause erosion, contribute to sediment, or alter the quality or quantity of stormwater runoff
Similar to building permits, applications for Land Disturbance Permits are submitted through the City’s new permitting and licensing software, Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EPL). In addition to basic applicant information and project details, applicants must submit:
- For projects disturbing greater than or equal to 1 acre:
- Applicants must submit a copy of the project’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), including an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP).
- Refer to the City’s Construction Material Specifications Document 6100 – Erosion Control to know what controls to include on your ESCP.
- For projects disturbing less than 1 acre:
- Applicants must submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP).
- Refer to the City’s Construction Material Specifications Document 6100 – Erosion Control to know what controls to include on your ESCP.
See the Frequently Asked Questions section below for an example Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs this permit?
A Land Disturbance Permit is required prior to the following land disturbance activities:
- Earthwork
- Vegetation or natural cover removal
- Soil disturbance
- Clearing, grubbing, grading, excavation
- Placement of fill or filling
- Tree removal, unless the entire root/stump structure is left in place
- Any other activity that may cause erosion, contribute to sediment, or alter the quality or quantity of stormwater runoff
Are there any exemptions?
Yes, a Land Disturbance Permit is not required for:
- Residential landscaping projects that would not otherwise trigger a City permit
- Residential landscaping or lawn replacement on a single existing lot
- Creation of residential or community gardens
- Any emergency activity that is necessary for the protection of life, property or natural resources
- Routine maintenance of existing utilities
- Crop or livestock agricultural
- Nursery operations conducted as a primary use
What do I need to submit as part of the permit application?
Besides basic information regarding the permit applicant and project details, applicants will be required to submit the following information based on the size of the total project area of the land disturbance activity:
- For projects disturbing greater than or equal to 1 acre:
- Applicants must submit a copy of the project’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), including an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP).
- Refer to the City’s Construction Material Specifications Document 6100 – Erosion Control to know what controls to include on your ESCP.
- For projects disturbing less than 1 acre:
- Applicants must submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP).
- Refer to the City’s Construction Material Specifications Document 6100 – Erosion Control to know what controls to include on your ESCP.
What is an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP)?
An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan indicates the specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) and sequencing that will be used to control sediment and erosion on the development site during and after construction.
What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?
The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) outlines methods and controls to be used to prevent stormwater pollution from the construction activities. Applicants for coverage under the Kansas General Permit must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) and SWPPP to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The SWPPP will generally consist of the following elements:
- A site description;
- A site map or plan sheets showing areas of soil disturbance, an outline of areas which will not be disturbed, and a drainage area map;
- Plan sheets, tables, or other schedules detailing the location of major structural and non-structural controls and areas where stabilization practices are expected to occur;
- A description of erosion and sediment controls to be used;
- A description of any permanent stormwater management features which are incorporated into the project;
- A description of other controls related to waste disposal practices;
- A description of the timing, during the construction, of when the measures will be implemented and removed; and
- A description of maintenance procedures for control measures identified in the plan.
Who do I contact if I have questions regarding Land Disturbance Permits?
Please email stormwater@lawrenceks.gov or call 785-832-7800.
Contact
For more information or questions regarding this new requirement, contact City staff directly by emailing stormwater@lawrenceks.gov or call 785-832-7800.
