Fill & Grading Permits

Fill and grading permits are applied for through the Engineering Department. Please contact the City Engineer with any questions.

Fill & Grading Permit Application

Stormwater Plan Review Inspection Form

South St. Paul City Code Requirements:

Sec. 110-19. - Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Grading means the movement of sand, dirt, gravel, rock, clay or similar earth material within a given site.
Land excavation means the removal of sand, dirt, gravel, rock, clay or similar earth material or unsuitable foundation material from the land.
Land filling means the deposit of sand, dirt, gravel, rock, clay or similar earth material so as to raise existing surface grades.

Sec. 110-20. - Permit required.

Except as provided in section 110-21, it is unlawful for any person to engage in land excavation, land filling or grading within the city without first obtaining a permit as provided in this article.

Sec. 110-21. - Permit exceptions.

A land excavation, land filling or grading permit granted by the council or the city engineer is not required for any of the following activities:

Any land excavation, land filling, or grading for the purpose of foundation, cellar or basement of some immediately pending superstructure to be erected, built or placed thereon contemporaneously with or immediately following such excavation, removal or storage, provided that a building permit has been issued for the superstructure.
Land excavation, land filling or grading by the state, county or city authorities in connection with the construction, maintenance or repair of roads, highways, streets, or alleys, or the installation, repair or maintenance of storm sewer, sanitary sewer or water facilities within the right-of-way of the road, highway, street or alley, or the installation, repair or maintenance of gas or electric facilities by a public utility entity within the right-of-way of the road, highway, street or alley.
Curb-cuts, utility hookups, or street openings for which another permit is required from the city. Where another permit is not required or obtained, an excavation permit shall be required.
Excavation or installation of public utilities upon platted property within two years after an approved plat has been filed with the county recorder or registrar of titles of the county. Where a plat is pending or more than two years have elapsed since the filing of a plat, an excavation permit shall be required.
Land excavation, land filling or grading when all of the following conditions are met:
1. The total amount of material does not exceed 100 cubic yards and no demolition debris is used;
2. The material is for finished grade or finished landscaping purposes or for gardening;
3. Existing drainage and ponding patterns are not significantly altered so as to adversely affect adjoining land; and
4. The resultant grade and slopes at the property line are in substantial conformity to the surrounding natural topography, are set so as to minimize erosion, and provide for sufficient drainage so that both natural water and stormwater enter and leave the property at the original or natural drainage points.
Land excavating, land filling, or grading for agricultural purposes.
Land excavation, land filling or grading for any development for which a conditional use permit has been approved and granted by the city council and a final grading plan approved as a part thereof.

Sec. 110-22. - Permit application.

Application for land excavation, land filling, and grading permits shall be made in writing on forms supplied by the city and shall be submitted to the city engineer for processing. The following information and exhibits shall be submitted with the completed application:

A map or plan of the proposed excavation or fill area and an area 50 feet around the fill area showing existing and proposed elevations at two-foot contours, and showing any existing buildings within such area;
The correct legal description of the premises;
The name and address of the applicant and owner of the land;
The purpose of the removal, storage, excavation or filling;
The estimated time required to complete the work;
The highways, streets or other public roadways within the city upon or along which the material shall be transported;
The method and schedule for restoration and measures to control erosion and measures to control material tracking on public streets during and after the work;
The method of controlling dust; and
The hours of operation.

Sec. 110-23. - Permits issued by city engineer.

The city engineer is authorized to approve and issue a land excavation, land filling or grading permit when all of the following conditions exist:

The total amount of material exceeds 100 cubic yards but does not exceed 1,000 cubic yards;
The total scope of work is to be completed within one year; and
The applicant meets the standards and requirements set forth in sections 110-22 and 110-28.

Sec. 110-24. - Permits issued by city council.

All land excavation, land filling and grading permit applications that do not meet the criteria set forth in section 110-23 must be granted by the city council.

Sec. 110-25. - Expiration of permits.

All permits, including renewals, shall expire on December 31 of the year in which issued.

Sec. 110-26. - Renewal of permits.

A permit issued by the city engineer shall only be allowed to be renewed once. City council issued permits may be renewed by the city council upon request of the applicant. All renewals will be subject to the conditions and plans of the initial application unless amendments are specifically requested by the applicant and approved by the city council.