San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Codes Appendix

GRADING

San Francisco adopts Appendix J as amended below for grading in San Francisco

SECTION J103 – PERMITS REQUIRED

J103.2 Add the following five exemptions:

An excavation that (1) is less 2 feet (610 mm) in depth or (2) does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) in height and steeper than 1 unit vertical in 1-1/2 units horizontal (66.7% slope).
A fill less than 1 foot (305 mm) in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 1 unit vertical in 5 units horizontal (20% slope), or less than 3 feet (914 mm) in depth, not intended to support structures, that does not exceed 50 cubic yards (38.3 m³ ) on any one lot and does not obstruct a drainage course.
Grading performed incidental to and in connection with the construction of a building or structure on a single lot, pursuant to a valid building permit issued therefor. The cost of such grading shall be included in the total valuation of the building for determining permit fees, and a separate grading permit will not be required.
Grading necessary for and incidental to and in connection with the construction of any parks, public streets or roadways, or the construction of sewers, or utilities under or within the boundaries of such roadways or streets when such work is under the direct supervision of the Recreation and Park Department, the Department of Public Works, the Public Utilities Commission or other governmental agencies.
Grading operations which in the opinion of the Director are of such a minor nature that the proposed work will not affect the adjoining land, or any existing structures, either those on the same or adjoining land. For such grading operations, the requirements of this chapter may be waived in whole or in part.