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A silt fence around the property is commonly required by jurisdictions as a measure of soil erosion control because it serves as a barrier designed to capture sediment from stormwater runoff. These fences are typically made of a geotextile fabric that is supported by posts and installed at the perimeter of a construction site or by areas prone to erosion. They allow water to flow through while trapping silt and sediment, helping to prevent soil loss and maintain water quality in nearby bodies of water.

While options like planting grass and using gravel paths can also aid in erosion control, they may not be specifically mandated by jurisdictions in the same way silt fences are. Planting vegetation can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion over time, but it may not be an immediate solution during construction activities. Similarly, installing gutters is typically more related to managing roof runoff rather than direct control of soil erosion on the ground. Gravel paths can also help reduce soil erosion by providing a stable surface, but they do not provide the same immediate sediment capture that silt fences do. Therefore, the requirement for a silt fence reflects a recognized and effective practice in erosion control that aligns with regulatory standards in many areas.