J106 Excavations — 2025 California Building Code
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § J106 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
J106.1 Maximum slope.¶
The slope of cut surfaces shall be not steeper than is safe for the intended use, and shall be not more than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope) unless the owner or the owner’s authorized agent furnishes a geotechnical report justifying a steeper slope.
Exceptions:
- A cut surface shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1.5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (67-percent slope) provided that all of the following are met: 1.1. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges. 1.2. It is adequately protected against erosion. 1.3. It is not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height. 1.4. It is approved by the building code official.
1.5. Ground water is not encountered.
- A cut surface in bedrock shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1 unit horizontal to 1 unit vertical (100-percent slope).
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