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Grading and erosion control in Irvine

Irvine's own rules on grading and erosion control, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Irvine Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Irvine's code says

Irvine code What Irvine's code adds
Erosion control plan
  • An erosion and sediment control plan must be approved by the Chief Building Official before a grading permit is issued.
    Applies: All grading permits.
    § 5-10-137 · code text
    Prior to the issuance of grading permits, an erosion and sediment control plan for the proposed development shall be approved by the Chief Building Official.
Grading without a permit
  • Excavation not exceeding 50 cubic yards on any one site and less than two feet in vertical depth, or not creating a cut slope greater than five feet in vertical height and steeper than 2:1; fill less than one foot in depth on natural grade with a slope flatter than 5:1, or fill less than three feet in depth, not intended to support structures or mobile homes, not exceeding 50 cubic yards on any one site and not obstructing a drainage course.
    Applies: work exempt from a grading permit
    § 5-10-107 · code text
    An excavation which does not exceed 50 cubic yards on any one site and which is less than two feet in vertical depth, or which does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in vertical height and steeper than two horizontal to one vertical (2:1).
  • No permit for basement and footing digs below finished grade under a valid building permit.
    Applies: Not fill made from the dug material, or digs with an unsupported height over 5 feet.
    § 5-10-107 · code text
    An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, mobile home, retaining wall or other structure authorized by a valid building permit or construction permit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Irvine?

Irvine's code: Excavation not exceeding 50 cubic yards on any one site and less than two feet in vertical depth, or not creating a cut slope greater than five feet in vertical height and steeper than 2:1; fill less than one foot in depth on natural grade with a slope flatter than 5:1, or fill less than three feet in depth, not intended to support structures or mobile homes, not exceeding 50 cubic yards on any one site and not obstructing a drainage course. (work exempt from a grading permit) (§ 5-10-107); An erosion and sediment control plan must be approved by the Chief Building Official before a grading permit is issued. (All grading permits.) (§ 5-10-137).

General information, not legal advice.

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Irvine Municipal Code — full text