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Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) Permit
 
CITY CODE APPENDIX D, ARTICLE XVI
  
 

NO WORK CAN COMMENCE WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING THE "HARD CARD" ESC PERMIT FROM THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

THE ESC PERMIT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE REMOVAL OF ANY EXISTING TREES. A SEPARATE TREE REMOVAL PERMIT MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
 
Note What is an ESC Permit?
  
An ESC permit is issued in order to prevent the removal of vegetation or loosening of soil from areas which would result in uncontrollable erosion of existing soils causing sedimentation deposits on off-site areas, infrastructures, and/or water bodies.
IT IS NOT A TREE REMOVAL PERMIT.
  
Note When is an ESC Permit required?
  
An ESC permit is required before any parcel of land in the City of Melbourne can be cleared, excavated, filled and/or graded.
  
Note Are any activities exempt from an ESC Permit?
  
An ESC permit is not required for the following activities:
  
(1)  Minor land-disturbing activities such as home gardens and individual home landscaping, repairs, maintenance work, or other related activities which result in minor soil erosion.
(2)  The construction of single-family residences when constructed by or under contract with the owner for his occupancy.
  
Note How do I apply for an ESC Permit?
  
ESC permit applications are available at and should be submitted to the Engineering Department located at 830 N. Apollo Boulevard or call (321) 953-6242.
  
Note How much does an ESC Permit cost?
  
The cost for an ESC permit is $82.50.
  
Note What other information is required to be submitted along with an ESC Permit application?
  
The applicant’s ESC plan shall include, as a minimum, the following information for the entire tract of land to be disturbed regardless of whether the tract will be developed in stages:
  
A.   A narrative description of the overall project. This narrative shall include:
  
Note Anticipated starting and completion dates for each sequence and stage of land disturbing activities and the expected date the final stabilization will be completed;
  
Note A description of the sediment control program and sediment control practices;
  
Note An adequate description of general topographical and soil condition of the tract;
  
Note A description of proposed work activity.
  
B.    Maps and/or drawings containing:
  
Note A site location drawing.
  
Note A boundary line survey of the site.
  
Note Details of temporary and permanent vegetative and structural erosion and sediment control measures.
  
Note Designation of area where work will take place.
  
C.   

Proof/Affidavit of ownership.
  
Note What happens after an ESC Permit is approved?
    
The approval process takes about three (3) days. If approved, the ESC permit will be forwarded to the Building Department located at 830 N. Apollo Boulevard, where the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a "hard card" ESC permit that must be posted on the site where the work is being performed.
  
The following principles are to be added verbatim to construction drawings as minimum measures to be installed for any land disturbing activity:
a. The land-disturbing activity shall conform to existing topography and soil type so as to create the lowest practical erosion potential.
   
b.  Land-disturbing activities shall be conducted in a manner minimizing erosion.
   
c.  The disturbed area and the duration of exposure to erosive elements shall be kept to a practicable minimum.
  
d.  Erosion control must be strictly maintained during cut and fill operations.
  
e. Disturbed soil shall be stabilized as quickly as practicable.
  
f.  Whenever feasible, natural vegetation shall be retained, protected, and supplemented.
  
g. Temporary vegetation or mulching shall be employed to protect exposed critical areas during development.
  
h.  Permanent vegetation and structural erosion control measures shall be installed as soon as practicable.
  
I.  Adequate provisions must be provided to minimize damage from surface water to the cut face of excavations or the sloping surface of fills.
  
j.  To the extent necessary, sediment in runoff water must be trapped by the use of debris basins, sediment basins, silt traps, or similar measures until the disturbed area is stabilized.
  
k.  Cuts and fills must be constructed in such a manner that erosion and runoff from the site does not endanger adjoining property.
  
l.  Fills may not encroach upon natural watercourses or constructed channels in a manner so as to adversely affect other property owners without adequate provisions for an equivalent system with a positive outfall.
  
m.  All R.O.W.’s, waterways, streets, and sidewalks shall be buffered by a twenty (20) foot wide strip of grass or other suitable means.
  
n.  Grading equipment must cross flowing streams by means of bridges or culverts except when such methods are not feasible and provided in any case, that such crossings are kept to a minimum and sedimentation control devices are provided.

 

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