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Monte Sereno · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Monte Sereno

Monte Sereno'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 Monte Sereno Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Monte Sereno's code says

Monte Sereno code What Monte Sereno's code adds
Erosion control plan
  • A registered civil engineer's final erosion control plan is needed; staged projects need interim plans before each rainy season.
    Applies: Exempt only if under one-half acre disturbed, slopes under 10%, grading under 50 and storage under 150 cubic yards, at least 100 feet from a watercourse.
    § 9.04.120 · code text
    An interim erosion and sediment control plan is required prior to each rainy season during construction for a staged project.
When a grading permit is needed
  • An engineered grading permit is needed when grading exceeds 1,000 cubic yards.
    Applies: Counts all grading on the parcel combined.
    § 9.04.080 · code text
    Any cumulative grading on any parcel which exceeds one thousand (1,000) cubic yards shall require an engineered grading permit
Grading without a permit
  • Digs: under 5 feet with retaining support, or cut slopes within 7 feet and 2:1, or 50 cubic yards maximum.
    Applies: Fills: no structures, on ground 5:1 or flatter, under 3 feet, or 50 cubic yards maximum; drainage unchanged. Not when an engineered permit is needed.
    § 9.04.090 · code text
    Does not create a cut slope greater than seven (7) feet in height, or steeper than two (2) horizontal to one vertical;
Rainy-season limits
  • Grading plans submitted October 1 to April 15 must include an interim erosion and sediment control plan.
    Applies: Applies to permits that are not exempt from the erosion plan requirement.
    § 9.04.120 · code text
    October 1st to April 15th. During this period, all grading plans submitted for permits which cannot be exempted under subsection A of this Section shall include an interim erosion and sediment control plan

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Monte Sereno?

Monte Sereno's code: An engineered grading permit is needed when grading exceeds 1,000 cubic yards. (Counts all grading on the parcel combined.) (§ 9.04.080); A registered civil engineer's final erosion control plan is needed; staged projects need interim plans before each rainy season. (Exempt only if under one-half acre disturbed, slopes under 10%, grading under 50 and storage under 150 cubic yards, at least 100 feet from a watercourse.) (§ 9.04.120).

General information, not legal advice.

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Monte Sereno Municipal Code — full text