Grading and erosion control in Fairfield: the local rules

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

What Fairfield's code says

Fairfield code What Fairfield's code adds
Erosion control plan	Grading plans must include an erosion, sediment and runoff control plan. Applies: Grading permit applications, when the city engineer requires plans. § 25.243 · code text When required by the city engineer, each application for a grading permit shall be accompanied by two sets of plans and specifications
Steepest cut or fill slope	Cut and fill slopes may be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (2:1). Applies: Unless a geological and engineering analysis shows steeper slopes are safe. § 25.247 · code text Slopes, both cut and fill, shall not be steeper than two horizontal to one vertical (2:1), unless a thorough geological and engineering analysis indicates that steeper slopes are safe and appropriate erosion control measures are specified.
Grading without a permit	Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall or other structure under a valid building permit (not the fill made with that material, and not an excavation with an unsupported height greater than 5 feet after the structure is done); an excavation less than two (2) feet deep, or one that does not create a cut slope that is both greater than five (5) feet in height and steeper than one and one-half horizontal to one vertical; a fill less than one (1) foot deep on natural terrain flatter than five horizontal to one vertical, or less than three (3) feet deep, that does not support structures or obstruct a drainage course; excavations for wells or utilities § 25.240 · code text 2. Cemetery graves. 3. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations. 4. Excavations for wells or tunnels or utilities.
Rainy-season limits	Expose only soil you can finish in 1 season so it is stable before the rainy season (October 15-April 15). Applies: Grading and site development. § 25.247 · code text Soil exposure shall not exceed an area in which development can be completed during a single construction season to ensure that soils are stabilized and vegetation is established well in advance of the rainy season (October 15 - April 15). Protect bare soil with temporary seeding, mulching or similar steps before the rainy season (October 15-April 15). Applies: Grading and site development. § 25.247 · code text Temporary seeding, mulching, or other suitable stabilization measures shall be used to protect exposed erodible areas during development and advance of the rainy season (October 15 - April 15).

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Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Fairfield?

Fairfield's code: Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall or other structure under a valid building permit (not the fill made with that material, and not an excavation with an unsupported height greater than 5 feet after the structure is done); an excavation less than two (2) feet deep, or one that does not create a cut slope that is both greater than five (5) feet in height and steeper than one and one-half horizontal to one vertical; a fill less than one (1) foot deep on natural terrain flatter than five horizontal to one vertical, or less than three (3) feet deep, that does not support structures or obstruct a drainage course; excavations for wells or utilities (§ 25.240); Grading plans must include an erosion, sediment and runoff control plan. (Grading permit applications, when the city engineer requires plans.) (§ 25.243).

Grading and erosion control in Fairfield

What Fairfield's code says

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