Grading and erosion control in Lompoc: the local rules

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

What Lompoc's code says

Lompoc code What Lompoc's code adds
When a grading permit is needed	More than 50 cubic yards of cut, or more than 5,000 square feet disturbed. Also cuts over 2 feet deep, in a floodway or fringe, or over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1; permitted basements and footings excepted. § 15.72.220 · code text Disturbs more than 5,000 square feet in surface area or more than 50 cubic yards total cut area, including cut for building pads; A permit is needed for over 50 cubic yards of fill on one site. Also: fill in floodway or fringe; over 5 feet unsupported; over 1 foot on ground steeper than 2:1; over 2 feet supporting structures; blocking drainage. § 15.72.230 · code text Exceeds 50 cubic yards on any one site, including fill for building pads;
Grading without a permit	Digs of 50 cubic yards or less, 2 feet deep or less, with a cut face of 2:1 or flatter. Applies: All conditions must be met; not in the Cultural Resources Overlay Zone. § 15.72.200 · code text The slope of the cut face is two feet horizontal to one foot vertical or less, Fills up to 50 cubic yards and 2 feet high, on ground sloping 20% or less, face 2:1 or flatter. Applies: All conditions must be met; existing drainage patterns may not change. § 15.72.200 · code text The slope of the fill embankment face is two feet horizontal to one foot vertical or less, Excavation for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, pool or other structure under a valid building permit. Applies: Not fill made from the excavated material, or a cut with an unsupported height over 5 feet. § 15.72.200 · code text Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, swimming pool, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Lompoc?

Lompoc's code: More than 50 cubic yards of cut, or more than 5,000 square feet disturbed. (Also cuts over 2 feet deep, in a floodway or fringe, or over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1; permitted basements and footings excepted.) (§ 15.72.220); A permit is needed for over 50 cubic yards of fill on one site. (Also: fill in floodway or fringe; over 5 feet unsupported; over 1 foot on ground steeper than 2:1; over 2 feet supporting structures; blocking drainage.) (§ 15.72.230).

Grading and erosion control in Lompoc

What Lompoc's code says

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