Peoria's Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Control Ordinance is in place to protect property owners and the environment from silt migration, erosion of stream banks and ravines, and excessive stormwater runoff. Any project that disturbs more than 5,000 square feet of ground requires an erosion/stormwater control permit. Disturbing the ground means removing grass, trees or pavement so that the underlying soil is exposed. The erosion/stormwater control permit for new single-family or duplex homes is included in the building permit. Erosion/stormwater control permits are not required for normal agricultural practices or routine maintenance of roads and utility service lines.