Dearborn County has a local erosion control ordinance. This ordinance covers all of Dearborn County except for the incorporated cities and towns.

Questions about the Dearborn County Erosion Control Ordinance

Why was the ordinance developed?
- From the development pressure put on Dearborn County's water bodies.

Who developed this ordinance?
- It was developed by a group realizing the need to conserve natural resources using a common sense approach. The group included contractors, developers, general public and officials from local, state, and federal agencies.
- It was also presented at a summer meeting of the Home Builders Association for comments.
- Updates were done by the local agencies.

What does a person do to comply with this ordinance?
- Control erosion on construction sites regardless of size
- No written plan is required
- If needed, sources of technical assistance are available

Who will enforce this ordinance?
- The Building Commissioner or his/her representative with training provided by the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)

How will it be enforced?
- Visual inspection of the site by the Building Inspector during regular inspections
- If found in violation:
* The first violation will carry a yellow label warning with corrective time frame and the SWCD phone number for technical assistance
* A stop work order and fine may be posted if corrective action is not taken within the stipulated time frame
* 30 days after the stop work order, the Building Commissioner may revoke the permit and levee another fine, if requirements of the ordinance are not met.

When and where did the ordinance go into effect?
- January 1, 1999; in areas of Dearborn County not incorporated
- Ordinance was updated on July 1, 2005 (No. 6, 2005)