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Madera County · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Madera County

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

Ask about grading and erosion control in Madera County See coverage

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

What Madera County's code says

Madera County code What Madera County's code adds
Steepest cut or fill slope
  • Cuts may be no steeper than 1:1.
    Applies: Applies to cuts, unless soil conditions require a different slope for stability.
    § 14.50.080 · code text
    Cuts shall be no steeper than 1:1 and fills shall be no steeper than 1½:1 unless soil conditions indicate a different slope is necessary for stability.
  • Fills may be no steeper than 1½:1.
    Applies: Applies to fills, unless soil conditions require a different slope for stability.
    § 14.50.080 · code text
    Cuts shall be no steeper than 1:1 and fills shall be no steeper than 1½:1 unless soil conditions indicate a different slope is necessary for stability.
Grading without a permit
  • Exempt: clearing or disturbing 15,000 square feet or less, and growing crops.
    Applies: A permit is still needed if the work changes drainage, causes erosion or flooding, or grades for buildings or private roads.
    § 14.50.030 · code text
    Removal of natural vegetation or disturbance of the soil, except for cultivation of crops, where the area exceeds fifteen thousand square feet;
Rainy-season limits
  • Grade May 1st to November 30th where possible; December 1st to April 30th may bring stricter controls.
    Applies: Grading operations.
    § 14.50.080 · code text
    During the period of December 1st through April 30th, more stringent controls may be required.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Madera County?

Madera County's code: Exempt: clearing or disturbing 15,000 square feet or less, and growing crops. (A permit is still needed if the work changes drainage, causes erosion or flooding, or grades for buildings or private roads.) (§ 14.50.030); Grade May 1st to November 30th where possible; December 1st to April 30th may bring stricter controls. (Grading operations.) (§ 14.50.080).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Madera County's grading and erosion control rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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