Land Clearing in Macomb County, MI

Who to call before ground is disturbed

Macomb County Public Works, the office of the Public Works Commissioner at 21777 Dunham Road in Clinton Township, issues drain and soil erosion permits for most of the county. EGLE's list of soil erosion agencies names Public Works as the county enforcing agency, with Sterling Heights and St. Clair Shores running their own programs. Under Michigan's Part 91 rules, larger earth changes and work close to a lake or stream generally need a soil erosion permit, so ask Public Works about your site before the stumps come out.

Low, wet ground can be a regulated wetland. EGLE runs the state wetland program and has a Wetlands Map Viewer, but EGLE says the viewer is not meant to set exact wetland boundaries. If part of the lot stays wet, ask EGLE before it is cleared. The land clearing permit guide lists each office and what it covers.

Drains, creeks and the Clinton River

Most of northern Macomb drains to the Clinton River. Its North Branch and Middle Branch both rise in northern Macomb County and join the main river in Clinton Township, and Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township sits on the North Branch. In the far northeast, Richmond Township drains partly east toward the Belle River. Public Works says it administers 475 county drains. If a ditch on your property is one of them, talk to Public Works before any clearing is done along it.

Clearing for a house, a barn or a drive

Where a build is coming, the same visit usually covers the site prep. Trees and stumps come out, the topsoil is stripped and stockpiled, the building area is cut to grade and the ground is compacted so the next trade can start. If a barn is going up, see pole barn pads in Macomb County. If the lot needs a way in, see gravel driveways in Macomb County.

Before the excavator digs out a single stump near the house or the road, MISS DIG 811 is contacted so public underground utilities are located. Digging does not start before the start time on the ticket.

How the ground gets left

Cleared is not the same as finished. Ruts get knocked down, stump holes are filled, and the surface is shaped so water runs off it instead of standing in the tracks. Debris is loaded and hauled off, or mulched and left, whichever was agreed at the estimate. That choice changes the price, so it is made before the work and not after.