Colfax Municipal Code Art. III General Requirements for a Grading Permit

(a) Prior to commencement of any grading within the city, whether or not permit is required, the person shall meet with the city engineer or designee and complete a simple form application to outline what is proposed. The city engineer will then make a determination whether a permit is required and what other actions may be necessary before grading can be commenced.

(b) If the city engineer determines that no permit is required, the person will be required to sign the application stating that they will conform to the requirements of the city and this ordinance and have read or will read the city grading ordinance prior to commencing the work.

(Ord. 483 (Exh. A) (part), 2005)

Except for the specific exemptions listed in Section 15.30.032 below, no person shall do or permit to be done any grading on any site in the city of Colfax without a valid permit obtained from the city engineer.

(Ord. 483 (Exh. A) (part), 2005)

After review by the city engineer to assure compliance, the following minor grading may be done without obtaining a grading permit. Exemption from the requirement of a permit shall not be deemed to be permission to violate any provision of this chapter.

(a) Minor Grading Projects. Minor projects which meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Involve no cuts or fills exceeding five feet in vertical depth at its deepest point measured from the existing ground surface;

(2) Involve less than fifty (50) cubic yards of graded material;

(3) Do not create unstable or erodible slopes;

(4) Do not encroach onto sewage disposal systems or disposal areas;

(5) Do not encroach into or affect a drainage way.

(b) Vegetation Cutting. Vegetation cutting and removal when the cutting of vegetation is limited to the mowing and cutting of weeds, grasses, small trees and plants where the soil is not disturbed by said activity.

(c) Limited Vegetation Clearing. Clearing of vegetation in which the soil is disturbed, provided the area cleared is less than five thousand (5,000) sq ft. Clearing of larger areas shall require the prior approval of the city engineer as provided under Section 15.030.30 and the city fire chief.

(d) Limited Road and Firebreak Maintenance. Maintenance of existing firebreaks and roads to keep the firebreak or road substantially in its original condition provided that no more than fifty (50) cubic yards of earth are moved.

(e) Excavation Authorized by Building Permit. An excavation below finished basements and footings of a building authorized by a valid building permit.

(f) Incidental Trenching. Trenching and grading incidental to the construction or installation of approved underground pipe lines, septic tank disposal fields, conduits, electrical or communication facilities, and drilling or excavation for postholes or approved walls.

(g) Public Agency Grading. Grading done by or under the supervision or construction control of a public agency that assumes full responsibility for the work.

(h) Swimming Pool Excavation. Excavations in connection with a swimming pool authorized by a valid building permit.

(i) Surface Mining Reclamation and Landfills. Grading in accordance with plans incorporated in an approved surface mining permit, reclamation plan or sanitary landfill.

(j) Cemetery Excavations. Routine cemetery excavations and fills.

(k) Emergency Work. Performance of emergency work necessary to protect life or property when an urgent necessity therefore arises. The person performing such emergency work shall notify the city engineer promptly of the problem and work required and shall apply for a permit therefore within ten (10) calendar days after commencing said work.

(Ord. 483 (Exh. A) (part), 2005)

No permit will be granted to conduct grading unless there is a demonstrated need to grade the property at the time the permit is sought. Permits will be issued only under the following circumstances and the grading will be limited to that justified by the need:

(a) Grading to Provide Access. Grading to provide reasonable access to undeveloped property.

(b) After Project Approval. After receipt of all discretionary permits and after application for a building permit to commence construction on the property proposed to be graded.

(c) Enhancement of Improved Properties. Where the property is already improved and developed, the grading is reasonably related to enhancement of the use of the property.

(d) Grading to Prevent Environmental Damage. Grading done usually to correct existing problems and reduce the risk of erosion, soil slippage, and other environmental damage.

(e) Other Circumstances. Such other circumstances as the city engineer determines present a justifiable need to conduct grading activities at the particular time.

(Ord. 483 (Exh. A) (part), 2005)