Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control
Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Construction sites can be a significant source of stormwater runoff pollution, soil erosion, fugitive dust, and trash if not properly managed. The City of Boise Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) program requires construction sites to minimize pollution by implementing stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and complying with ESC permit requirements. Through permitting, site inspection, education and enforcement of the Construction Site Erosion Control Ordinance our purpose is to protect, restore and maintain water quality and conserve soil and nutrients.
For ESC questions or concerns, please contact us.
Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Permit
Construction activities related to new building and site development that disturb greater than 2500 square feet (0.057 acre) and/or include a 500+ square foot new building or ground floor addition on a Boise parcel, are required to obtain an ESC Permit in addition to any other required approvals and permits. ESC permit applications and plan submittal are completed online with related Building or Grading permit applications. For new construction activities with significant soil disturbance that do not require a Building or Grading permit, please call 208 794-8996 for information on an ESC Stand-alone permit. Any construction site not required to obtain an ESC permit found with ESC violations may be required to obtain an ESC permit.
The type of ESC permit issued is based on intended use, area of disturbance, and project location, for more information please see the ESC Permit Policy:
ESC General Permit
Issued for new or added residential construction not located in a hillside zone or within 50 ft of the Boise River, its channels or tributaries. General Permits require listing a certified ESC Responsible Person who must have operational control at the site through all phases of construction. BMPs must be implemented as needed to comply with permit requirements. Other low risk projects may be considered for General Permit upon request.
ESC Site Specific Permit
Issued for new or added commercial, multi-family, subdivision site development (grading and utilities), and residential projects located in a hillside zone or within 50 ft of the Boise River, its channels or tributaries. In addition to listing a certified ESC Responsible Person who must have operational control at the site through all phases of construction, a site-specific ESC plan must be submitted for review with the related permit application. An ESC plan template and plan checklist are available on the ESC documents page for reference. If you feel your project should be exempt from the ESC Plan requirement, an ESC Plan Waiver Request Form may be considered in lieu of an ESC plan.
Send a Message to ESC Inspector
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