Local ordinances regulating stormwater quality, grading, and drainage have been in effect in Calaveras County since January 3, 2008. These regulations establish requirements for land disturbance, erosion control, and the management of stormwater runoff during construction and grading activities.

Copies of the applicable ordinances and permits are available online:

Storm Water Quality Ordinance       Grading and Drainage Ordinance       Calaveras County MS4 Phase II Permit

These ordinances establish procedures and technical requirements that may apply to grading, excavation, site development, and other activities that disturb soil or alter drainage patterns.

To assist property owners, contractors, and design professionals in understanding and complying with these requirements, the County has compiled the following resources to help guide the process.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in enforcement actions, including work delays, administrative penalties, or other legal remedies.

Sediment leaving a construction site is one of the most common stormwater violations. Muddy water flowing into streets, drainage systems, or waterways indicates that erosion and sediment controls are not functioning properly. To avoid project delays, enforcement actions, and potential fines, disturbed soil must be contained on-site through the proper installation and maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Key BMP Guidelines

Erosion and sediment controls must be installed before or at the start of construction activities. These measures must remain in place and be maintained for the duration of the project.

• Install erosion and sediment control measures before soil disturbance begins.
• Limit the area of disturbance and preserve existing vegetation where possible.
• Protect storm drain inlets, drainage paths, and adjacent properties from sediment runoff.
• Stabilize disturbed soil as soon as practical after grading is complete.
• Direct stormwater runoff to controlled drainage paths and reduce runoff velocity.
• Install a stabilized construction entrance to prevent sediment from being tracked onto public roadways.
• Inspect and maintain erosion control measures regularly, especially before and after storm events.

Grading projects are usually checked by the Building Department at different stages to make sure the work is being done safely and according to the approved plans.

Before Work Begins

• Pre-Construction Inspection
  • This inspection happens before any grading starts. The inspector will check that the site matches the approved plans and that erosion control measures, such as straw wattles or silt fence, are installed.

During Construction

• In-Progress Inspection
  • This inspection takes place while grading is underway. The inspector will verify that the work follows the approved plans and that proper safety and stormwater controls are in place.

After Work is Complete

• Final Inspection
  • This inspection occurs after all grading work is finished. The inspector will confirm that the project was completed according to the approved plans and that the site has been properly stabilized.

Important Note

This is a general overview. The number and type of inspections required may vary depending on the size and complexity of the project and specific permit conditions.

A Construction Stormwater Permit is required when a project disturbs one (1) acre or more of soil, or is part of a larger common plan of development that collectively disturbs one acre or more. This permit is issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board under the Construction General Permit.

Projects that meet this threshold must obtain permit coverage by submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) and preparing a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP identifies the erosion and sediment control measures that will be implemented on-site to prevent pollutant discharge and comply with state requirements.

Upon approval, the State will issue a Waste Discharge Identification Number (WDID). This number must be included on project plans and provided prior to permit issuance where applicable.

Even if a County grading permit is not required, State stormwater permit coverage may still apply based on the extent of disturbance.

For additional information, refer to the State Water Resources Control Board website:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/stormwater/construction.html

A grading permit is generally required when a project involves the movement of more than fifty (50) cubic yards of earth. However, a permit may not be required if all of the following conditions are met:

• The total disturbed area is less than one (1) acre
• The depth of fill does not exceed one (1) foot
• The depth of excavation does not exceed two (2) feet

Additional exemptions are provided in Section 15.05.080 of the Calaveras County Grading and Drainage Ordinance.

Even when a grading permit is not required, all work must still comply with applicable standards intended to protect public health, safety, drainage patterns, and the environment. This includes proper erosion control, drainage management, and site stabilization.

Project requirements are based on the overall scope and level of impact. Smaller, low-risk projects may only require a simple application and site plan. As project size and complexity increase, additional requirements may apply, including engineered plans and supporting documentation.

To assist applicants, the County provides a Grading Permit Calculator. This tool helps determine whether a permit is required and identifies the applicable submittal requirements based on project size and conditions.

Use the Grading Permit Calculator here:
[Insert Link to Calculator]

All construction must follow the grading plans approved by the Building Department.

If you need to make changes to the approved plans, you must submit revised plans for review and approval before making those changes in the field.

To request changes, find our Plan Revision form here.

Work that does not match the approved plans may result in delays or failed inspections.

Grading plans must be prepared by a California-licensed civil engineer if your project involves moving more than 1,000 cubic yards of soil.

Even for smaller projects, engineered plans may still be required if there are special site conditions, such as steep slopes, drainage concerns, or potential safety issues.

To help determine your project requirements, use the “Do I Need a Grading Permit?” Tool. This tool will guide you through your project details and indicate whether engineered plans may be required, it can be found here: [Grading Permit Tool]

If you are still unsure, contact the Building Department for further guidance.

How do I apply for a Grading Permit?

To apply for a grading permit, submit a completed application to the Building Department. The application is available on the County website or at the Building Department office.

Your submittal must include:

• One (1) physical copy of the grading plans
• One (1) digital copy of the grading plans
• All required supporting documents

All applicable fees are due at the time of submittal.

To help ensure your application is complete, use the “Do I Need a Grading Permit?” Tool. This tool will identify the required forms, plans, and documents based on your project, it can be found here: [Grading Permit Tool]

Review times can vary depending on how many projects are currently under review and how complex your project is.

In general, the Building Department aims to review grading permits within approximately twenty (20) days after receiving a complete application.

You can help avoid delays by submitting a complete and accurate application with all required plans and supporting documents.

To help ensure your submittal is complete, use the “Do I Need a Grading Permit?” Tool. This tool will identify the required forms, plans, and documents based on your project, which can be found here: [Grading Permit Tool]

Incomplete submittals are the most common cause of delays.

Please review the Building Department’s fee estimate, available here.

See the checklist here.

Stormwater is the runoff generated from precipitation events such as rain, sleet, or hail that flows across the ground and does not infiltrate into the soil. In Calaveras County, stormwater runoff enters the public storm drain system and is discharged directly into local waterways without treatment. Unlike wastewater, stormwater is not conveyed to a treatment facility prior to discharge.

As stormwater flows over developed surfaces such as roofs, driveways, streets, and disturbed soils, it can carry pollutants including sediment, debris, oils, chemicals, and construction-related materials. These pollutants are transported through the storm drain system and ultimately discharged into receiving waters, including local creeks, lakes, and rivers such as the Stanislaus River, Tuolumne River, San Joaquin River, and Dry Creek.

The County’s storm drainage infrastructure is designed to convey runoff and reduce localized flooding and standing water. This system includes inlets, pipes, culverts, and discharge points, as well as infiltration features such as dry wells (rockwells) and vegetated basins that allow stormwater to percolate back into the ground. However, not all runoff is captured for infiltration, and a significant portion is conveyed directly to surface waters.

Due to this direct connection between storm drains and natural waterways, proper erosion and sediment control during grading and construction activities is critical to protect water quality and comply with applicable regulations.

After your grading permit is issued, you must contact the Building Department to schedule a pre-construction meeting.

This meeting must take place before any grading or earthwork begins. No work is allowed to start until this meeting has been completed.

Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice when scheduling.

To request inspections, call the Building Department at (209) 754-6390, extension 3, make sure to leave your name, permit number, address, the date you are requesting for inspection, and a good call back number.

If your project is part of an approved Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) or Tentative Subdivision Tract Map (TSTM), additional review by other County departments is typically not required. These projects have already undergone interdepartmental review, and the grading work is included in the approved improvement plans.

If your grading is associated with a Building Permit or Conditional Use Permit (CUP), it may also have already been reviewed as part of that approval process.

If your project is not associated with a Building Permit, CUP, TPM, or TSTM, the Building Department will circulate your grading permit application to other County departments. This review ensures the proposed work complies with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, land use requirements, and environmental protection standards.