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Hayward · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Hayward

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

What Hayward's code says

Hayward code What Hayward's code adds
When a grading permit is needed
  • A grading permit is needed for 300 or more cubic yards.
    Applies: Earth moved on a site over 12 months; permit also needed on slopes over 5 to 1 or grade changes of 5 feet or more.
    § 10-8.10 · code text
    The excavation, fill, or rearrangement of 300 or more cubic yards of earth material on any site.
Steepest cut or fill slope
  • Cut surfaces may be no steeper than 1½ horizontal to 1 vertical.
    Applies: Unless a soils engineer states a steeper slope is safe.
    § 10-8.33 · code text
    Cut surfaces shall not be steeper than is safe for the intended use or steeper than the ratio of one and one-half horizontal to one vertical unless a soils engineer investigates the site and states that the proposed deviation will not endanger any private property, public way or place, or adversely affect any drainage facilities.
  • Compacted fill slopes may be no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical.
    Applies: Unless a soils engineer recommends a steeper slope.
    § 10-8.33 · code text
    No compacted fill shall be made which creates an exposed surface steeper in slope than the ratio of two horizontal to one vertical unless recommended by the soils engineer based on slope analysis that demonstrates the integrity of the slopes proposed.
Grading without a permit
  • No grading permit for permitted foundation or basement digs, minor grading on other approved plans, or City-required test digs.
    § 10-8.11 · code text
    Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10-8.10, no grading or clearing permit shall be required for:

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Hayward?

Hayward's code: A grading permit is needed for 300 or more cubic yards. (Earth moved on a site over 12 months; permit also needed on slopes over 5 to 1 or grade changes of 5 feet or more.) (§ 10-8.10); Cut surfaces may be no steeper than 1½ horizontal to 1 vertical. (Unless a soils engineer states a steeper slope is safe.) (§ 10-8.33).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Hayward Municipal Code — full text