Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Public Works - Grading Permit
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Public Works - Grading Permit
A grading permit is required to grade, fill, excavate, store or dispose of soil and earth materials or to perform any other land-disturbing or land-filling activity which may cause erosion. All land-disturbing or land-filling activities or soil storage shall be undertaken in a manner designed to minimize surface runoff, erosion, and sedimentation and to safeguard life, limb, property, and public welfare. You can find information for Standards and Specifications online. A grading permit is not required if all the following criteria are met:
- Natural and finished slopes are less than 10 percent
- No drainage way is blocked or has its stormwater-carrying capacities or characteristics modified
- Rainwater runoff is diverted, either during or after construction, from an area smaller than one thousand five hundred square feet
- The site upon which land area is disturbed or filled is three thousand square feet or less
- The volume of soil or earth materials stored is fifty cubic yards or less
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Public Works - Grading Permit
The property owner or the contractor performing the work must:
- Complete Credit Card Authorization Form (PDF), if needed
- Complete and submit a Grading and Hauling Permit Application (PDF) and pay applicable review fees
- Complete and submit a Plan Review Application (PDF) and pay applicable review fees
- Pay applicable permit fees and post-security deposits (PDF). On May 13, 2024, City Council approved the new Master Fee Schedule.
For information call 650-991-8064.