Grading and erosion control in Lake County: the local rules

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

What Lake County's code says

Lake County code What Lake County's code adds
Erosion control plan	An Erosion Control and Sediment Detention Plan is required, in 3 copies. Applies: Every grading permit application. § 30-18 · code text At least three (3) copies of an Erosion Control and Sediment Detention Plan that describes the measures, where applicable, to:
Grading without a permit	Cuts of up to 50 cubic yards that do not alter any drainage course. Applies: The cut is under 2 feet deep, or creates no cut slope both over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1. § 30-17 · code text Cuts less than two (2) feet in depth or which do not create a cut slope exceeding five (5) feet in height and steeper than two (2) horizontal to one (1) vertical, which does not exceed fifty (50) cubic yards and do not alter any drainage course. Fills of up to 50 cubic yards that do not block or alter any drainage course. Applies: Under 1 foot deep on natural terrain no steeper than 5:1, or under 3 feet deep and not supporting structures. § 30-17 · code text Fills less than one (1) foot in depth and placed on undisturbed natural terrain with a slope no greater than five (5) horizontal to one (1) vertical, or less than three (3) feet in depth, not intended to support structures, not exceeding fifty (50) cubic yards and not obstructing or altering any drainage course. Excavation for sewage disposal systems, tanks, vaults, basements or swimming pools. Applies: Under a valid County building permit or Environmental Health Division permit. § 30-17 · code text The excavation of material below finished grade for sewage disposal systems, tanks, vaults, basements, or swimming pools where such excavation is authorized and under the provisions of a valid County building permit; or Environmental Health Division permit.
Steepest cut or fill slope	Cut or fill slopes of 2:1 or flatter, unless approved engineered plans allow steeper. Applies: Standard grading permit category. § 30-21 · code text Creates any cut or fill of a ratio of two to one (2:1) or less, unless engineered plans are provided and approved by the Administrative Official for a steeper ratio.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Lake County?

Lake County's code: Cuts of up to 50 cubic yards that do not alter any drainage course. (The cut is under 2 feet deep, or creates no cut slope both over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1.) (§ 30-17); An Erosion Control and Sediment Detention Plan is required, in 3 copies. (Every grading permit application.) (§ 30-18).

Grading and erosion control in Lake County

What Lake County's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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