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Grading Permits
(Section 91.106)

The following information has been summarized from the Los Angeles Municipal Code to show the grading permit requirement for different kinds of grading projects.

A grading permit is required to import or export any earth materials to or from any grading site. A grading permit is also required to perform any grading within areas designated "hillside".

Any grading project involving more than 100 cubic yards of excavation and involving an excavation in excess of 5 feet in vertical depth at its deepest point measured from the original ground surface shall be done by a State of California licensed contractor who is licensed to perform the work described herein.

A separate permit shall be required for each grading site. However, one permit may include the entire grading operation at that site.

Grading Permits Not Required:
A grading permit is not required for the following:

1.
An excavation which (a) is less than 2 feet in depth, or (b) which does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet in height and steeper than 1 unit vertical in 2 units horizontal (50% slope). This exception shall not apply to cut which exceeds 50 cubic yards or which changes the existing drainage pattern.
2.
A fill less than 1 foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10% slope). This exception shall not apply when the fill exceeds 50 cubic yards or when the fill changes the existing drainage pattern.
3.
Excavations, located in hillside areas for caissons or piles under buildings or structures authorized by valid building permits.
4.
Excavations, not located in hillside areas, for basements, footings, caissons, piles, swimming pools or underground structures which are authorized by valid building permits.
5.

Excavations for wells or tunnels or utilities, which do not provide vertical or lateral support for buildings or adversely impact the safety or stability of private or public properties.

Grading permits may be waived by the Department for excavations under buildings or structures in hillside areas, if the applicant demonstrate that the site is relatively level, or the excavation is entirely for footings and/or grade beams not exceeding 5 feet deep.

 


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