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Oakley · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Oakley

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

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

What Oakley's code says

Oakley code What Oakley's code adds
Erosion control plan
  • Each grading or paving permit needs an interim erosion-control plan.
    Applies: Work done during the rainy season.
    § 6.9.404 · code text
    Interim erosion-control plans are required for each grading or paving permit for work performed during the rainy season.
  • Each grading or paving permit needs a final erosion-control plan.
    Applies: Each grading or paving permit.
    § 6.9.404 · code text
    Final erosion-control plans are required for each grading or paving permit and shall describe conditions after constructing final structures and improvements.
Grading without a permit
  • Fill under 3 feet deep, up to 100 cubic yards, not supporting structures, on ground flatter than 5:1.
    Applies: At least 3 feet from an exterior property line; the City Engineer must find no adverse drainage effect.
    § 6.9.304 · code text
    Is placed on a natural grade having a slope of less than five feet horizontal to one foot vertical;
  • Cuts under 3 feet, up to 100 cubic yards, with no slope over 5 feet high or steeper than 3:1.
    Applies: At least 5 feet from an exterior property line, or half the height of any nearby building or slope if greater.
    § 6.9.304 · code text
    Does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in height or steeper than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical;
  • Digging basements and footings for a building, retaining wall, pool or other structure under a valid building permit.
    Applies: Does not cover fill made from the excavation or a cut with an unsupported height over 5 feet.
    § 6.9.304 · code text
    An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, swimming pool or other structures authorized by a valid building permit.
Rainy-season limits
  • Grading may be banned October 15 to April 15; allowed then only if the City Engineer approves a written request.
    Applies: Grading up to and including pad certification.
    § 6.9.402 · code text
    Grading activity, up to and including pad certification, is subject to periodic review and approval of the City Engineer and may be prohibited between October 15 and April 15

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Oakley?

Oakley's code: Fill under 3 feet deep, up to 100 cubic yards, not supporting structures, on ground flatter than 5:1. (At least 3 feet from an exterior property line; the City Engineer must find no adverse drainage effect.) (§ 6.9.304); Each grading or paving permit needs an interim erosion-control plan. (Work done during the rainy season.) (§ 6.9.404).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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