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Grading and erosion control in San Clemente

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

What San Clemente's code says

San Clemente code What San Clemente's code adds
Erosion control plan
  • An erosion control plan is required.
    Applies: Grading begun on private property without a valid grading permit.
    § 15.36.340 · code text
    If any grading, subject to Section 15.36.070, grading permits, of this chapter has commenced on private property without a valid grading permit, the property owner will be required to prepare and implement an erosion control plan
Grading without a permit
  • Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings under a valid building permit (not fill made from it, or an excavation with an unsupported height over 5 feet); an excavation of 50 cubic yards or less on one site that is under 2 feet deep or makes no cut slope over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1; a fill under 3 feet deep, 50 cubic yards or less on one lot, that does not block a drainage course and is either on natural grade flatter than 5:1 or not meant to support structures
    Applies: Work exempt from a grading permit; the City Engineer may still require a minimum-fee grading permit or soils report for foundation design
    § 15.36.070 · code text
    An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, mobilehome, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit or construction permit.
Rainy-season limits
  • No grading over 200 cubic yards on one permitted site from October 15 to April 15.
    Applies: Unless the City Engineer approves or waives an erosion control system.
    § 15.36.320 · code text
    No grading work in excess of two hundred (200) cubic yards will be allowed between October 15th and April 15th on any single grading site under permit unless an erosion control system has been approved or waived by the City Engineer.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in San Clemente?

San Clemente's code: Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings under a valid building permit (not fill made from it, or an excavation with an unsupported height over 5 feet); an excavation of 50 cubic yards or less on one site that is under 2 feet deep or makes no cut slope over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1; a fill under 3 feet deep, 50 cubic yards or less on one lot, that does not block a drainage course and is either on natural grade flatter than 5:1 or not meant to support structures (Work exempt from a grading permit; the City Engineer may still require a minimum-fee grading permit or soils report for foundation design) (§ 15.36.070); An erosion control plan is required. (Grading begun on private property without a valid grading permit.) (§ 15.36.340).

General information, not legal advice.

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San Clemente Municipal Code — full text