Skip to content

Loomis · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Loomis

Loomis's own rules on grading and erosion control, with the code text for every value.

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

What Loomis's code says

Loomis code What Loomis's code adds
Steepest cut or fill slope
  • No steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical.
    Applies: Permanent excavation cut surfaces; steeper is allowed in competent bedrock if the geotechnical or geological report recommends it.
    § 12.04.450 · code text
    The slope of cut surfaces of permanent excavations shall not be steeper than two horizontal to one vertical exclusive of terraces and exclusive of roundings described herein.
Grading without a permit
  • No permit if all met: under 50 cubic yards, depth 3 feet or less, 2:1 slope or less, drainage unchanged.
    Applies: Excavations or fills. Work must not endanger adjacent property, increase erosion, sedimentation or runoff, impair a watercourse's flow, or cause a public nuisance.
    § 12.04.050 · code text
    Excavations or fills when all the following conditions are met: 1. Less than fifty cubic yards of grading material, 2. The depth/fill is three feet or less, 3. The slope of the cut/fill face is two feet horizontal to one foot vertical or less, 4. The existing drainage patterns are not altered;
  • Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, pool or structure with a building permit.
    Applies: Excludes fill from it and unsupported height over 5 feet after completion. No danger to adjacent property, added erosion or runoff, impaired watercourses, or nuisance.
    § 12.04.050 · 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.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Loomis?

Loomis's code: No permit if all met: under 50 cubic yards, depth 3 feet or less, 2:1 slope or less, drainage unchanged. (Excavations or fills. Work must not endanger adjacent property, increase erosion, sedimentation or runoff, impair a watercourse's flow, or cause a public nuisance.) (§ 12.04.050); No steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. (Permanent excavation cut surfaces; steeper is allowed in competent bedrock if the geotechnical or geological report recommends it.) (§ 12.04.450).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Loomis property

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

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in Loomis