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Calabasas · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Calabasas

Calabasas'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 Calabasas Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Calabasas's code says

Calabasas code What Calabasas's code adds
Grading without a permit
  • Small digs need no permit: under 2 feet deep or no high steep cut, under 50 cubic yards.
    Applies: At least 100 feet from drainage; not on slopes over 20%; no cut over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1; written certification first.
    § 15.10.030 · code text
    does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in height and steeper than two horizontal to one vertical
  • Small fills need no permit: under 1 foot deep on flat ground or under 3 feet, 50 cubic yards maximum.
    Applies: Flat ground means flatter than 5:1; must not support structures; 100 feet from drainage; written department certification first.
    § 15.10.030 · code text
    A fill less than one foot in total depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than five horizontal to one vertical
  • Basement and footing digs under a valid building permit need no grading permit.
    Applies: Not on slopes over 20% or unsupported over 5 feet high; get written department certification first; fill from the dig is not exempt.
    § 15.10.030 · code text
    Where authorized by a valid building permit, excavations below existing or finish grade for basements, and footings of a building, retaining walls or other structures; provided that this shall not exempt any fill using material from the excavation

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Calabasas?

Calabasas's code: Small digs need no permit: under 2 feet deep or no high steep cut, under 50 cubic yards. (At least 100 feet from drainage; not on slopes over 20%; no cut over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1; written certification first.) (§ 15.10.030); Small fills need no permit: under 1 foot deep on flat ground or under 3 feet, 50 cubic yards maximum. (Flat ground means flatter than 5:1; must not support structures; 100 feet from drainage; written department certification first.) (§ 15.10.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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Calabasas Municipal Code — full text