Small Land Disturbance Activity Permit & Inspection Process
A sediment control permit is required if a land disturbing activity of 5,000 square feet or more of land; results in 100 cubic yards or more of earth movement; is for construction of a new house or commercial building; or, is associated with a change of use from single family residential to any other use. Small Land Disturbance Activity (SLDA) applications are used to obtain sediment control permits for very simple projects. They are infrequently used but are allowed on a case-by-case basis.
- The project must not have stormwater management requirements
- The project may not result in 1,000 or more cubic yards of earth movement
- The total disturbed area may not exceed 20,000 square feet of commercial or 30,000 square feet of residential development
- If the project is near a floodplain, wetland, steep slope or other environmentally sensitive or difficult area, it may not qualify
If the property exceeds 40,000 square feet in total area, the project must be reviewed and approved for Forest Conservation by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). Additional items may be required by MNCPPC as part of this review.
- A simplified site plan clearly showing the property area. Proposed sediment controls should not be shown on the plan.
- A cover letter explaining the nature and extent of the proposed project.
- If a Notice of Violation (NOV) had previously been issued for failure to obtain a permit, a copy of the NOV must be provided.
- A non-refundable filing fee must be paid at the time of application. Please refer to the current Schedule of Fees.
Typically, these applications are reviewed within 1 – 2 weeks. However, additional time will be required for permit issuance if a Forest Conservation Plan review is needed by MNCPPC. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact MNCPPC to initiate the Forest Conservation review.