Grading and erosion control in Vacaville: the local rules

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

What Vacaville's code says

Vacaville code What Vacaville's code adds
Erosion control plan	All grading needs post-construction erosion and sediment control measures in a plan the city accepts. § 14.19.244.010 · code text All grading shall be subject to appropriate post-construction erosion and sediment control measures as described in a post-construction erosion and sediment control plan (PC plan) acceptable to the City as more fully set forth in Section 14.19.242.020.A(7).
Steepest cut or fill slope	No steeper than 2 to 1. Applies: Cut or fill surfaces, unless the Building Official, City Engineer or Director of Public Works approves steeper. § 14.19.244.010 · code text The slope of cut or fill surfaces shall not be steeper than two to one, except as specifically approved by the Building Official, City Engineer, or Director of Public Works.
Grading without a permit	Up to 50 cubic yards: fills under 1 foot on ground flatter than 5:1, or under 3 feet and non-structural. Also digs under 2 feet, or with no cut over 5 feet and steeper than 1½:1; not in projects disturbing 1 acre or more. § 14.19.242.010 · code text An excavation which is less than two feet in depth, or which does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in height and steeper than one and one half horizontal to one vertical; provided, that such grading does not exceed 50 cubic yards; Permitted excavations for basements, footings, retaining walls or pools. Applies: Not fill made from the excavated material, or a cut left unsupported over 5 feet after the structure is done. § 14.19.242.010 · code text An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, swimming pool, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Vacaville?

Vacaville's code: Up to 50 cubic yards: fills under 1 foot on ground flatter than 5:1, or under 3 feet and non-structural. (Also digs under 2 feet, or with no cut over 5 feet and steeper than 1½:1; not in projects disturbing 1 acre or more.) (§ 14.19.242.010); All grading needs post-construction erosion and sediment control measures in a plan the city accepts. (§ 14.19.244.010).

Grading and erosion control in Vacaville

What Vacaville's code says

Who this affects

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