Grading & Drainage: Camarillo vs Ojai
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Ojai, CA?
Camarillo and Ojai have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Camarillo issues grading permits under CMC Title 16 (Building Code), which incorporates the California Building Code's grading and drainage provisions (CBC Appendix J). Any cut, fill, or change to surface drainage that exceeds adopted thresholds requires plans, a soils/geotechnical report on hillside sites, and inspection sign-offs.
View full Camarillo rules →Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Grading in unincorporated Ventura County requires permits from Building & Safety for most excavation and fill work. Drainage must be directed to approved outlets — discharging concentrated runoff onto neighboring properties is prohibited.
View full Ojai rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Ojai |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | CMC Ch. 16.04; CBC Appendix J | - |
| Permit Threshold | Cut >5 ft or fill >50 cu yd | - |
| Hillside Sites | Geotechnical report required | - |
| Drainage | May not be redirected onto neighbor | Must go to approved outlets |
| Permit | - | Building & Safety grading permit |
| Hillside | - | Soils/geology reports required |
| LID | - | Stormwater standards apply |
| Contact | - | (805) 654-2797 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
When does Camarillo require a grading permit?
When you cut more than 5 feet, fill more than 50 cubic yards, or alter the established drainage pattern on the lot — per CBC Appendix J as adopted by CMC Chapter 16.04.
Ojai FAQ
Do I need a grading permit?
Most excavation and fill work requires a permit from Building & Safety at (805) 654-2797. Small quantity exemptions may apply.
Can I change drainage on my property?
You cannot redirect concentrated runoff onto neighboring properties. Drainage changes may require a grading permit.
What about hillside grading?
Hillside projects typically require soils reports, geology reports, and geotechnical recommendations.
Compare other topics
See how Camarillo and Ojai compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool