Grading and erosion control in Laguna Beach: the local rules

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

What Laguna Beach's code says

Laguna Beach code What Laguna Beach's code adds
Erosion control plan	The city must approve the final erosion and sediment control plan before a grading permit is issued. § 22.10.010 · code text Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the final project erosion and sediment control plan shall be approved by the city.
When a grading permit is needed	A grading permit is needed to disturb more than 20 cubic yards of soil. Also required where the building official decides one is needed. § 22.10.010 · code text A grading permit is required for all construction projects that will disturb more than twenty cubic yards of soil, or projects where the building official has determined that a grading permit is necessary.
Steepest cut or fill slope	No steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. Applies: Cut slopes, unless immediately supported by a permitted retaining wall or other approved support. § 22.06.010 · code text No excavation shall be made with a cut face steeper in slope than two horizontal to one vertical, unless said cut face is to be immediately supported with a retaining wall or other approved support for which a building permit has been obtained. No steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. Applies: Fill slopes. § 22.06.010 · code text No fill shall be made which creates any surface steeper than two horizontal to one vertical. No steeper than 4 horizontal to 1 vertical. Applies: Uncompacted fill slopes placed for landscaping. § 22.06.010 · code text Fill slopes placed for the purpose of landscaping which are not compacted shall not exceed four horizontal to one vertical.
Grading without a permit	Fill under 20 cubic yards, at most 3 feet high, on ground no steeper than 4:1, with code-compliant side slopes. Applies: Landscaping on developed lots; fill must not block drainage or support structures, and must stay at least 2 feet from adjoining property lines. § 22.10.010 · code text For purposes of landscaping developed lots, fills of less than twenty cubic yards which do not obstruct a drainage course and are not intended for structural support and which are placed over an existing ground sloping not more than four feet horizontal to one foot vertical and not exceeding three foot maximum height above the preexisting ground surface Digging under 20 cubic yards, at most 3 feet deep, with slopes that meet code. Applies: Landscaping on developed lots; the top of the cut must be at least 2 feet from any adjoining lot. § 22.10.010 · code text For purposes of landscaping developed lots, excavation of less than twenty cubic yards and not exceeding three feet in maximum depth with slopes conforming to the requirements of this code, with top of cut slope not extending within two feet of any adjoining lot or parcel; Digging for permitted footings, walls or pools, and pool backfill. Applies: Fill made from the dug material still needs a grading permit. § 22.10.010 · code text A grading permit shall not be required for any of the following conditions, but in all other respects the provisions of this title shall apply:

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What are the grading rules in Laguna Beach?

A grading permit is needed to disturb more than 20 cubic yards of soil, or where the building official decides one is needed.

Grading and erosion control in Laguna Beach

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What Laguna Beach's code says

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