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Rancho Mirage · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Rancho Mirage

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

What Rancho Mirage's code says

Rancho Mirage code What Rancho Mirage's code adds
When a grading permit is needed
  • You need a grading permit to stockpile or deposit more than 50 cubic yards of earth.
    Applies: Other grading also needs a permit unless exempt.
    § 15.64.060 · code text
    it shall be unlawful for any person to stockpile, deposit or allow the placement, construction, or deposition of earth material on any real property in excess of fifty cubic yards without first obtaining a grading permit
Steepest cut or fill slope
  • Fill slopes may be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (2:1).
    Applies: Applies to fill slopes.
    § 15.64.460 · code text
    Fill slopes shall be no steeper than two horizontal to one vertical (2:1), exclusive of benches or terraces.
Grading without a permit
  • Excavation not over fifty cubic yards and less than two feet deep that does not affect slopes or drainage; fill less than one foot deep on ground flatter than 5:1, not over fifty cubic yards per lot and not blocking drainage; basement and footing excavation under a building or excavation permit
    Applies: The basement exemption does not cover an unsupported height over five feet or vertical banks over two feet
    § 15.64.040 · code text
    An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings for a building, mobilehome, retaining wall, septic system, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit or excavation permit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Rancho Mirage?

Rancho Mirage's code: You need a grading permit to stockpile or deposit more than 50 cubic yards of earth. (Other grading also needs a permit unless exempt.) (§ 15.64.060); Fill slopes may be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (2:1). (Applies to fill slopes.) (§ 15.64.460).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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