What is an Environmental Features Setback?
From the edge of a wetland, there is a 25 foot setback where nothing may be disturbed without a Wetland permit/EFS permit. Please keep in mind that your property may also have a 100-year floodplain line that encroaches further than the regulated 25 foot environmental setback. Any work proposed within a 100-year floodplain will require a wetland permit.
When do I need a Soil Erosion Permit?
If you are disturbing the soil on your property (other than minor gardening), and the disturbed area is within 500 feet of a lake, stream, wetland, or other water course, or the disturbed area is more than 1 acre in size, a soil erosion permit will be required.
Can I trim/cut trees on my property?
If you are located in a designated woodland and wish to cut any trees, you must contact the Environmental Department first. If you believe the trees are dead, dying, or diseased, and pose a safety threat to you, a staff member can come out and assess the situation. If the staff member determines the trees are not dead/dying/diseased, then you must apply for a woodland/wetland permit (depending where your property is). Any cutting of trees, shrubs, ground foliage, etc is not permitted inside of a designated woodland. The same applies to delineated wetland areas and the 25 foot environmental features setback line.
If your property is located outside of a designated woodland/delineated wetland/25 foot setback, the township does not regulate cutting/trimming of trees. However, you should check with your homeowner's association to make sure it is ok with them first. Tree Service List
How do I obtain a Wetland Permit?
Please Contact Environmental Department if you have any question as to what permit is required for the proposed project at (248) 451-4818
- If the permit request involves work within a floodway, floodplain, wetland, or watercourse (i.e. seawall, in-water beach sanding, etc.), please submit the completed Wetland Permit Application to the township's Environmental Division. In addition, a permit should be submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) using the MiWaters website. A printed copy of the EGLE MiWaters application should be submitted with the township's wetland permit application.
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If the permit request involves work within an environmental feature setback, but not in a wetland or floodplain, please submit the completed Environmental Feature Setback Permit Application to the township's Environmental Division.
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How do I obtain a Woodland Permit?
Below are general guidelines for the woodland permit application process:
- Please submit twelve (12) copies of a plot plan drawn to scale that shows the outline of the parcel(s) or lot(s), woodland areas, existing and proposed structures or land uses including size, setbacks and any other information as required by the ordinance.
- All applications, including plot plan and fees, must be filed with the Environmental Department aminimum of 4 weeks prior to a scheduled meeting. In the event of a back-log, the applicant will be scheduled for the next available meeting.
- Regular meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm. You or someone to represent you must be present at the meeting.
- If the request is approved, there will be a 21 day appeal period when anyone may appeal the decision to the Township Board.
- If an extension of a valid permit is needed, the request must be submitted in writing to the Environmental Department one (1) month prior to the permit expiration date.
Permit Denial
Denied permits can be appealed through the Township Board for twenty (21) days after the initial decision by the Woodland Review Board. Upon review by the Township Board, the original decision can either be upheld, or fully or partially overturned by the Township Board, or remanded to the Woodlands Review Board for a second review of the permit application.
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Who is responsible for removal of dead trees on my property?
West Bloomfield Township does not provide a tree removal service. Tree removal, and all expenses are the responsibility of the homeowner. However upon request, a list of tree services in the area are available at Town Hall or online. Tree Service List
Who owns the preservation easement on my property?
It is just that, an easement. The township regulates what type of activities are allowed in that area, but it is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain this property within the guidelines. West Bloomfield Township does not own this property.
