FAQs • Why do I need a Letter of Permission (LOP) and where

Why do I need a Letter of Permission (LOP) and where can I find one?: A Letter of Permission (LOP) is required if there is offsite grading, meaning your plans include clearing, grading, and other activities on someone else’s property. The LOP grants you permission to perform work on their property. This is not required if an easement was already created that grants the same permission or if the property is included in your grading permit application. The LOP can be found here:
LOP

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B&D Bonds-Erosion & Sediment Control (E&S)

1. Why do I need a Letter of Permission (LOP) and where can I find one?: A Letter of Permission (LOP) is required if there is offsite grading, meaning your plans include clearing, grading, and other activities on someone else’s property. The LOP grants you permission to perform work on their property. This is not required if an easement was already created that grants the same permission or if the property is included in your grading permit application. The LOP can be found here:
LOP

2. Who is required to sign the grading permit application?: The property owner must sign with his or her title and date. If the property owner and bonded party differ, the bonded party must also sign the application.

3. What is the process for submitting a bond for an erosion and sediment (E&S) control permit?: After the County Field Engineer issues the “Notification of Grading Plan Approval” and the bond amount is set you can submit the bond. The Bonds Management Team will match up the plans with your bond and review. Even if you have previously been given a bond amount by the Field engineer, you must still wait until the Notification of Grading plan Approval is issued. Your collateral (bond) must meet the County’s criteria and the plans must contain all required information, such as the parcel identification numbers (PINs) of all included properties and the limits of clearing and grading. Your application must similarly identify all affected parcels and it must be signed by all property owners and the bonded party if different. Signatures of off-site property owners are not required if easements were previously granted or if Letters of Permission (LOPs) are provided. Once the bond, permit application, and plans are deemed to be acceptable, we prepare the placards and return them to the Field Engineer. After that you will get a call to set up your Pre-Construction Meeting.

4. What parcel identification numbers (PINs) are required to be on the Grading Plans and Erosion and Sediment Control Permit Application?: All parcels that are to be disturbed within the designated limits of clearing and grading must be included on the cover sheet of the plans and the application. This is critical information.

5. Must all property owners sign the grading permit application?: Most of the time, yes. All property owners must be listed on the application, but if easements were previously granted that allow the same work then their signature is not required. An example of this would be if the property contained a water or sewer line easement. This kind of easement typically grants permission to install the water or sewer line. Each easement is different and you should double-check the language of the easement before assuming that it allows grading and clearing.

6. Will an Erosion and Sediment Control Bond be released once the work is complete?: Yes, but first you must request release and pay the release fee. Send a short letter requesting release and addressed to: Director, Loudoun County Building and Development PO Box 7000 MSC 60 Leesburg, VA 20177-7000 Your release request must be accompanied by your release fee. The fee can be found in the fee schedule.