Grading Projects FAQ

Grading is an essential step in preparing a site for construction. The process sculpts the ground to fit a project’s structural, drainage, and site design requirements.

Permit Information

When is a grading permit required?

Grading permits are required for nearly all projects that disturb or move more than 10 cubic yards of earth or vegetation.

Some specific examples of projects that require a grading permit are:

  • Stand-alone grading (cut and fill) not associated with any structure.
  • Grading work requested prior to obtaining building permit approval.
  • Grading associated with non-building or structure work, such as parking lots, retaining walls and the resurfacing of sport tracks. [No storm work can be done on any grading only plans.]
  • Stockpiling onsite and when moving the stockpile.

What type of project does not require a grading permit?

  • Excavation for pads/footings for single-family projects that do not exceed the approved footprint area and/or does not involve structural fill, only where the site is level and the cut/fill amounts do not exceed 50 cubic yards
  • Decorative ponds outside of Critical Areas that are less than 10 cubic yards and a depth of less than 12”

Under what conditions, is a separate grading permit not required?

A separate grading permit is not required when all of these conditions are met:

  • Work is part of an approved Residential Building Permit (RES) for foundation work – new dwelling unit or addition
  • There is no structural fill.
  • Excavation does not exceed 50 cubic yards
  • Site is not in Critical Areas
  • Site slope is less than 10%
  • Site does not contain unusual conditions (surface or subsurface conditions)
  • Grading work will not create retaining/surcharge conditions

Stormwater Requirements

If 2,000 square feet or more of new hard surfaces are created or replaced, the project is subject to both the Stormwater (VMC 14.25) and the Erosion Control (VMC 14.24) ordinance and the following is required:

A Construction Stormwater General Permit (NPDES) and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required for all soil disturbing activities (including grading, stump removal, demolition) where one or more acres will be disturbed, and stormwater will be discharged to a receiving water directly (e.g. wetlands, creeks, unnamed creeks, river, marine waters, ditches, estuaries) or to storm drains that discharge to a receiving water.