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Arroyo Grande · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Arroyo Grande

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

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

What Arroyo Grande's code says

Arroyo Grande code What Arroyo Grande's code adds
Erosion control plan
  • All projects that need a grading permit must submit an erosion and sediment control plan.
    § 13.24.050 · code text
    All projects subject to a grading permit must submit an erosion and sediment control plan which includes the rationale used for selecting BMPs.
When a grading permit is needed
  • A grading permit is needed for more than 50 cubic yards of earthwork.
    Applies: All project earthwork is added together unless exempt; a project may not be split to avoid the permit.
    § 13.24.050 · code text
    The amount of material, measured cumulatively (adding together all proposed earthwork) for any of the above mentioned activities exceeds fifty (50) cubic yards.
  • A grading permit is needed for more than 20 cubic yards of earthwork.
    Applies: Work that alters or blocks a drainage way or watercourse.
    § 13.24.050 · code text
    The amount of material, measured cumulatively (adding together all proposed earthwork) for any of the above mentioned operations exceeds twenty (20) cubic yards and involves altering or obstructing a drainage way or watercourse.
Steepest cut or fill slope
  • Cut slopes may be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (2:1).
    Applies: Steeper only with a retaining wall or a slope stability analysis the community development director accepts.
    § 13.24.070 · code text
    No excavation shall be made with a cut face steeper in slope than two horizontal to one vertical
  • Fill slopes may be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (2:1).
    Applies: Steeper only with a retaining wall or a geotechnical report the community development director accepts.
    § 13.24.070 · code text
    No fill shall be made which creates any exposed surface steeper in slope than two horizontal to one vertical
Grading without a permit
  • Digging below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, wall or other structure with a valid building permit.
    Applies: Does not exempt fill made from the excavated material (unless the fill exemption applies) or excavation with unsupported height over 5 feet after completion.
    § 13.24.040 · code text
    An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall or other structure authorized by a valid building permit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Arroyo Grande?

Arroyo Grande's code: A grading permit is needed for more than 50 cubic yards of earthwork. (All project earthwork is added together unless exempt; a project may not be split to avoid the permit.) (§ 13.24.050); All projects that need a grading permit must submit an erosion and sediment control plan. (§ 13.24.050).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Arroyo Grande's grading and erosion control rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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