DPD permit applicants with small construction projects must submit a plan showing the erosion control measures they will be using, starting January 1, 2003.

To assist in meeting this requirement, DPD is offering a new prescriptive plansheet called a Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control (TESC) Standard Plan (aka the "Construction Stormwater Control Prescriptive Plansheet"), which is available at right.

This helpful 24"x36" plansheet provides a quick way for the builder to document erosion control methods and a clear field guide for both builder and inspector. It contains illustrations of common construction erosion control methods for the builder to select from and can be easily incorporated with building plans.

* Applicants retain the option of having plans developed by a licensed civil engineer.

What is a “Small Project”?
Small projects are defined in Seattle’s Stormwater, Grading and Drainage Control Code (SGDC) as projects with less than 5,000 square feet of new or replaced impervious surface or less than one acre of land disturbing activity. The SGDC requires plans to show proposed construction erosion control unless an alternative checklist has been approved. The new plansheet was developed after the checklist currently in use was found to be unsuccessful in documenting approved erosion methods, particularly in the field.

Also in the News: Erosion Control Inspection Now Required at First Ground Disturbance
While erosion control measures have been required for most projects in Seattle that involve ground disturbance since January 31, 2000, an erosion control inspection is now required when the first ground disturbance occurs (see related news story).