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Rolling Hills Estates · Building on your lot

Grading and erosion control in Rolling Hills Estates

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

What Rolling Hills Estates's code says

Rolling Hills Estates code What Rolling Hills Estates's code adds
When a grading permit is needed
  • Import/export over 10 and up to 20 cubic yards, or cut/fill over 1 and up to 3 feet deep.
    Applies: Grading approval by the planning director.
    § 17.07.030 · code text
    Any importation or exportation of earth materials greater than ten and less than or equal to twenty cubic yards.
  • Imports or exports over 20 cubic yards, cuts or fills over 3 feet, or grading on slopes 35% or more.
    Applies: Grading approval by the planning commission.
    § 17.07.030 · code text
    Any importation or exportation of earth materials greater than twenty cubic yards;
Grading without a permit
  • Digs or fills under 1 foot deep and/or under 10 cubic yards imported or exported need no approval.
    § 17.07.040 · code text
    An excavation or fill less than one foot in vertical height at its deepest point and/or an exportation or importation of earth materials less than ten cubic yards.
  • No approval for permitted basement, footing, pool or sewer digs, or same-place driveway and landscaping repairs without major grade change.
    § 17.07.040 · code text
    An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings or structures, swimming pools and sewers authorized by a valid building permit or any excavation specifically authorized by any ordinance, or an excavation in any public way or street.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Rolling Hills Estates?

Rolling Hills Estates's code: Import/export over 10 and up to 20 cubic yards, or cut/fill over 1 and up to 3 feet deep. (Grading approval by the planning director.) (§ 17.07.030); Imports or exports over 20 cubic yards, cuts or fills over 3 feet, or grading on slopes 35% or more. (Grading approval by the planning commission.) (§ 17.07.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code — full text