If Your Project is Less Than 10,000 Square Feet

Step 1: Prepare Your Plans

You must follow these regulations:

• SRC Chapter 65 - Excavation and Fill 
• SRC Chapter 75 – Erosion Control
• SRC Chapter 82 – Clearing and Grading
• SRC Chapters 86, 600, 808, 809 - Trees, Wetlands, Natural Resources (if applicable)
• SRC Chapter 601 - Floodplain Regulations (if applicable)
• SRC Chapter 810 - Landslide Hazards (if applicable) 
• Public Works Design Standards (Division 007)
• Applicable Erosion Control Standard Plans

For small residential projects, you may use the City’s pre-approved standard erosion control plans based on your site conditions:

• Single-Family – Flat Lot
• Single-Family – Sloped Lot
• Single-Family – Lot with Waterway

If you do not use a standard plan or your project does not qualify as a small residential project, you must upload a site-specific erosion control plan for review that meets the guidance in Salem’s Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Plans for Small Development Handout.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Early Grading Permits (Before Development Permit Issuance)
To start grading a site before receiving a building, civil site work, or public infrastructure construction permit, submit your erosion control plans and details directly to developmentservices@cityofsalem.net.

City staff will generate erosion control permits and other applicable grading permits. You must pay plan review fees before the review starts. 

For projects that require green stormwater infrastructure, early grading may need to occur in phases: 

• Clearing, Grubbing, and Stockpiling Permit: Limited disturbance, no stormwater calculations are required. 
• Interim Grading Permit: Disturbance occurs but final grades are not established. Requires preliminary stormwater calculations and utility plans or a description of intended stormwater drainage methods. Infiltration areas must be protected or re-tested after grading. 
• Mass Grading Permit: Final grades are established. Requires final stormwater calculations and utility plans. 

Concurrent with Building, Civil Site Work, or Public Construction Permits
If grading will occur at the same time as building, civil site work, or public construction permit activity:

• Apply for a building, civil site work, or public construction permit through the Permit Application Center Portal.
• Include erosion control plans with your permit application.

City staff will generate erosion control permits and other applicable grading permits. You must pay plan review fees before the review starts.

Step 3: City Review

City staff will review your plan submittals and you will receive plan review comments or approval within 10 business days for single-family residential projects and within 20 business days for non-residential projects.

Step 4: Pay Permit Fees

Once your plans are approved, you will need to pay permit fees before the City issues your permit.

Step 5: Permit Issuance

After all required permits are approved, the City will issue your erosion control permit.

For Projects Disturbing 10,000 Square Feet or More

Step 1: Prepare Your Plans

Projects disturbing 10,000 square feet or more of land require plans prepared by a design professional. These plans must include the stamp or signature of a certified professional and adhere to the following codes and standards:

• SRC Chapter 65 - Excavation and Fill 
• SRC Chapter 75 – Erosion Control
• SRC Chapter 82 – Clearing and Grading
• SRC Chapters 86, 600, 808, 809 – Trees, Wetlands, Natural Resources (if applicable)
• SRC Chapter 601 - Floodplain Regulations (if applicable)  
• SRC Chapter 810 – Landslide Hazards (if applicable)
• Public Works Design Standards (Division 007)
• Applicable Erosion Control Standard Plans

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Early Grading Permits (Before Development Permit Issuance)

To start grading a site before receiving a building, civil site work, or public construction permit, submit your erosion control plans and details directly to developmentservices@cityofsalem.net. 

City staff will generate erosion control permits and other applicable grading permits. You must pay plan review fees before the review starts. 

For projects that require green stormwater infrastructure, early grading may need to occur in phases: 

• Clearing, Grubbing, and Stockpiling Permit: Limited disturbance, no stormwater calculations are required.
• Interim Grading Permit: Disturbance occurs but final grades are not established. Requires preliminary stormwater calculations and utility plans or a description of intended stormwater drainage methods. Infiltration areas must be protected or re-tested after grading. 
• Mass Grading Permit: Final grades are established. Requires final stormwater calculations and utility plans. 

Concurrent with Building, Civil Site Work, or Public Construction Permits
If grading will occur at the same time as building, civil site work, or public construction permit activity:

• Apply for a building, civil site work, or public construction permit through the Permit Application Center Portal.
• Include erosion control plans with your permit application.

City staff will generate erosion control permits and other applicable grading permits. You must pay plan review fees before the review starts.

Step 3: City Review

You will receive plan review comments or approval within 10 business days for single-family residential projects and within 20 business days for non-residential projects.

Step 4: Pay Permit Fees

Once your plans are approved, you will need to pay permit fees before the City issues your permit.

Step 5: Permit Issuance

After all required permits are approved, the City will issue your erosion control permit.

For Projects Disturbing One Acre or More

If your project disturbs one-acre or more, you must obtain:

• A City-issued Erosion Control Permit 
• A Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 1200-C Permit

The City requires evidence of a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 1200-C Permit before issuing the City Erosion Control Permit. 

For general information on the 1200-C permits, please visit DEQ’s 1200-C Stormwater Permit Application Forms and Permit Fees.

Please follow the submittal process and associated steps listed under Projects Disturbing 10,000 Square Feet or More.