Grading and erosion control in San Leandro: the local rules

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

What San Leandro's code says

San Leandro code What San Leandro's code adds
When a grading permit is needed	A grading permit is needed for more than 50 cubic yards. Applies: When the slope is or will be over 20%, or the cut or fill is more than 5 feet high anywhere. § 7-12-200 · code text The volume of excavation or fill will exceed 50 cubic yards provided either: (1) The existing or the resulting rate of slope will exceed 20%, or (2) The vertical distance between the top and bottom of excavation or fill will exceed five feet at any location. A grading permit is needed for more than 5 cubic yards. Applies: Within 15 feet of a property line, when the cut or fill crosses a 2:1 line from the property line. § 7-12-200 · code text Any excavation or fill exceeding five cubic yards within 15 horizontal feet of any property line
Steepest cut or fill slope	Permanent fill slopes may be no steeper than 2:1. Applies: Unless the soils report recommends otherwise and the City Engineer approves in writing. § 7-12-600 · code text The rate of slope of the surface of permanent fills shall not be steeper than two to one (2:1) Permanent cut slopes may be no steeper than 1 1/2:1. Applies: Unless the soils report recommends otherwise and the City Engineer approves in writing. § 7-12-600 · code text the rate of slope of permanent cut slopes, shall not be steeper than one and one-half to one (1 1/2:1)
Grading without a permit	No permit for permitted digs fully filled by a basement, footing, wall or pool, on ground sloping 10% or less. § 7-12-205 · code text Any excavation below finished grade for basement, footing, retaining wall. swimming pool or other structure authorized by a valid building or foundation permit, which excavation will be completely occupied by and retained by the structure, provided such excavation is conducted in accordance with the laws of the State of California relating to lateral support when the existing and finished ground slope will not exceed 10%. Water wells and test trenches, pits and borings supervised by a civil engineer or geologist need no grading permit. § 7-12-205 · code text (g) Cemetery graves. (h) Water wells.
Rainy-season limits	No grading in the wet season unless the City Engineer allows it in writing. Applies: Temporary erosion and sediment controls must be in place by October 15 and kept up through April 15. § 7-12-600 · code text No grading work shall be done during the wet season unless specifically permitted in writing by the City Engineer.

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What are the grading rules in San Leandro?

San Leandro's code: A grading permit is needed for more than 50 cubic yards. (When the slope is or will be over 20%, or the cut or fill is more than 5 feet high anywhere.) (§ 7-12-200); No grading in the wet season unless the City Engineer allows it in writing. (Temporary erosion and sediment controls must be in place by October 15 and kept up through April 15.) (§ 7-12-600).

Grading and erosion control in San Leandro

What San Leandro's code says

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