Grading and erosion control in Folsom: the local rules

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

What Folsom's code says

Folsom code What Folsom's code adds
When a grading permit is needed	You need a grading permit for more than 50 cubic yards of fill on any one lot. Applies: Applies to fill. § 14.29.202 · code text Exceeds fifty cubic yards on any one lot; You need a grading permit for more than 25 cubic yards of fill on any one lot. Applies: Fill in a flood hazard or erosion hazard area. § 14.29.202 · code text Exceeds twenty-five cubic yards on any one lot in a flood hazard or erosion hazard area;
Steepest cut or fill slope	Cut slopes may be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (50%). Applies: Unless a registered civil engineer certifies stability and/or the public works director approves. § 14.29.302 · code text Cut slopes are to be no steeper than two horizontal to one vertical or fifty percent except where certified by a registered civil engineer as to stability and/or approved by the public works director.
Grading without a permit	Exempt cuts and fills: at most 50 cubic yards, 3 feet, 2:1. Exempt clearing: at most 1 acre, 20% slope. Applies: Fills only on ground sloping 20% or less, drainage unchanged. Work must not endanger nearby property, increase erosion or runoff, or divert water. § 14.29.170 · code text The quantity is fifty cubic yards or less, Exempt: digging for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, pool or other structure under a valid building permit. Applies: Fill made from the dug soil, or a dig with an unsupported height over 5 feet, is not exempt. § 14.29.170 · code text Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, swimming pool, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Folsom?

Folsom's code: You need a grading permit for more than 50 cubic yards of fill on any one lot. (Applies to fill.) (§ 14.29.202); Cut slopes may be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (50%). (Unless a registered civil engineer certifies stability and/or the public works director approves.) (§ 14.29.302).

Grading and erosion control in Folsom

What Folsom's code says

Who this affects

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