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West Sacramento · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in West Sacramento

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

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

What West Sacramento's code says

West Sacramento code What West Sacramento's code adds
When a grading permit is needed
  • 200 cubic yards or more of grading.
    Applies: Smaller work also needs a permit if it may endanger neighbors, increase erosion or runoff, or affect a watercourse.
    § 15.08.070 · code text
    Grading operations resulting in a volume of less than two hundred cubic yards;
Grading without a permit
  • Grading under 200 cubic yards; clearing of 1 acre or less.
    Applies: Not exempt if the work may endanger neighbors, increase erosion or runoff, or affect a watercourse.
    § 15.08.070 · code text
    Grading operations resulting in excavations and fills less than two feet in depth when the volume of grading is less than two hundred cubic yards;
  • Digging for pools, basements, footings or retaining walls under a valid building permit; wells; utility trenches.
    Applies: Not exempt if the work may endanger neighbors, increase erosion or runoff, or affect a watercourse.
    § 15.08.070 · code text
    An excavation below finished grade for swimming pools, basements, footings of buildings, retaining walls or other structures authorized by a valid building permit, or trench excavations for the purpose of installing underground utilities;

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in West Sacramento?

West Sacramento's code: 200 cubic yards or more of grading. (Smaller work also needs a permit if it may endanger neighbors, increase erosion or runoff, or affect a watercourse.) (§ 15.08.070); Grading under 200 cubic yards; clearing of 1 acre or less. (Not exempt if the work may endanger neighbors, increase erosion or runoff, or affect a watercourse.) (§ 15.08.070).

General information, not legal advice.

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