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Grading and erosion control in Vallejo

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

What Vallejo's code says

Vallejo code What Vallejo's code adds
Grading without a permit
  • Digs under 3 feet deep with slopes no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical.
    Applies: No grading permit needed; not in or next to natural drainage channels.
    § 12.40.030 · code text
    F. An excavation which is less than three feet in depth and slopes no steeper than two horizontal to one vertical;
  • Fills up to 50 cubic yards per lot: under 1 foot on terrain flatter than 5:1, or under 3 feet.
    Applies: No permit needed if not supporting a structure or blocking drainage; not in or next to natural drainage channels.
    § 12.40.030 · code text
    H. A fill less than one foot in depth, and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than five horizontal to one vertical, or less than three feet in depth, not intended to support structure, which does not exceed fifty cubic yards on any one lot and does not obstruct a drainage course;
  • Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, pool or structure with a building permit.
    Applies: Excludes unsupported height over 5 feet after completion. No exception applies to grading within or immediately next to natural drainage channels.
    § 12.40.030 · code text
    A. An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, swimming pool, or other structures authorized by a valid building permit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the grading rules in Vallejo?

Vallejo's code: Digs under 3 feet deep with slopes no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. (No grading permit needed; not in or next to natural drainage channels.) (§ 12.40.030); Fills up to 50 cubic yards per lot: under 1 foot on terrain flatter than 5:1, or under 3 feet. (No permit needed if not supporting a structure or blocking drainage; not in or next to natural drainage channels.) (§ 12.40.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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Vallejo Municipal Code — full text