In general a Grading Permit is required

• When construction requires an MPCA Construction Permit
• When there are soil disturbances of 3,000 square feet or more (University standard 31 25 2.1)
• When project requires a DNR Public Waters Work Permit (University standard 31 20 1.1.B.1)
• When project requires a ACE 404 Permit (University standard 31 20 1.1.C.1)
• Based on the above points, may be needed in addition to building, demo, plumbing, septic or utility permits

Grading Permit Valuation

The applicant for a permit must provide an estimated permit value at time of application. Permit valuations must include the total value of all grading work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as site grading and temporary BMPs. 

Scope of Work

Please submit a project scope of grading work to include the following:

1. Detailed description of what work is being done (pertaining to this application) on this project
2. Site address or other applicable information that further describes the location

A copy of the project's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or Erosion & Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) and a UMN reviewed and signed Appendix K (with Section D filled out) are required to be uploaded with the permit application. For the purpose of the grading permit application / review, the SWPPP/ESCP includes all documents referenced in the "Content Location" column of Appendix K.

What are the inspection requirements?

The General Contractor is responsible for performing stormwater inspections per the project’s inspection requirements listed in the ESCP/SWPPP using the University’s  Appendix L:Construction Stormwater Inspection Checklist or equivalent form containing all items in the University’s Appendix L.

In addition to the self performed contractor inspections, the Building Code Department (BCD) must be contacted when ready for the following grading permit inspections:

• Pre-construction inspection – After placement of erosion and sediment control features , and prior to any construction excavations.
• Pre-permanent BMP installation inspection - when the project is ready to install a permanent stormwater treatment device(s), if applicable.
• Final stabilization inspection – after  site restoration activities are complete and final stabilization requirements are met, but before temporary erosion and sediment control devices are removed.

Final stabilization inspection should be requested when:

• All construction activity is complete.
• Permanent cover has been established across the project site.
• Vegetative cover must consist of a uniform perennial vegetation with a density of 70 percent of its expected final growth.
• Project related sediment has been removed from permanent stormwater treatment and/or conveyance systems downstream.

Periodic unannounced inspections by the BCD, or other University staff, may be conducted , based on project scope, duration, receiving water status, and/or public complaints.

The project must pass the final stabilization inspection and then remove all synthetic temporary erosion and sediment control BMPs.

For projects with an MPCA Construction Stormwater Permit a copy of the Notice of Termination (NOT) must be submitted to the BCD official after successful completion of the final stabilization inspection.