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Orange County · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Orange County

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

What Orange County's code says

Orange County code What Orange County's code adds
Grading without a permit
  • Foundation digs up to 300 cubic yards per site, with at most 4 feet of over-excavation and no drainage change.
    Applies: No cut slope both over 4 feet high and steeper than 2:1.
    § 7-1-805 · code text
    Does not create a cut slope greater than four (4) feet in vertical height and steeper than 2:1 H:V slope ratio.
  • Fill under 1 foot on ground flatter than 5:1, or under 3 feet non-structural; 100 cubic yards max per lot.
    Applies: Must not block a drainage course; thin fill still needs a compaction report.
    § 7-1-805 · code text
    Is placed on a natural grade with a slope less steep than five (5) horizontal to one (1) vertical (5:1);
  • Digging basements and footings under a valid building or construction permit.
    Applies: Does not cover fill made from the excavated material, or an excavation left over 5 feet high and unsupported.
    § 7-1-805 · code text
    An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of building, mobile home, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit or construction permit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Orange County?

Orange County's code: Foundation digs up to 300 cubic yards per site, with at most 4 feet of over-excavation and no drainage change. (No cut slope both over 4 feet high and steeper than 2:1.) (§ 7-1-805); Fill under 1 foot on ground flatter than 5:1, or under 3 feet non-structural; 100 cubic yards max per lot. (Must not block a drainage course; thin fill still needs a compaction report.) (§ 7-1-805).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Orange County Municipal Code — full text