Grading & Drainage: Chino vs Victorville
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Chino, CA and Victorville, CA?
Chino and Victorville have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Grading work in Chino requires a grading permit under California Building Code Appendix J (adopted by reference in Chino Municipal Code Title 15), with drainage plans showing positive flow away from structures, no concentrated runoff onto neighboring properties, and tie-in to the city's master-planned storm drain system. Major drainage facilities are governed by the City of Chino Drainage Master Plan (1993, updated 1998, 2003, 2022) covering 11.25 sq mi in Subarea 1 and 8.5 sq mi in Subarea 2 (The Preserve).
View full Chino rules →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Victorville requires grading permits for over 50 cubic yards or slopes over 3 feet. Drainage must match existing patterns without impacting neighbors. Desert flash-flood design criteria apply.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | CBC Appendix J adopted under CMC Title 15 | - |
| Permit threshold | 50+ cubic yards or 5,000+ sq ft disturbed (typical) | 50 cubic yards or 3 foot slopes |
| Slope ratio | Cuts/fills no steeper than 2:1 without engineering | - |
| Drainage Master Plan | Subarea 1 (11.25 sq mi) + Subarea 2 / The Preserve (8.5 sq mi) | - |
| Outlet receivers | San Antonio Channel, Cypress Channel, Chino Creek → Prado Basin | - |
| Civil rule | Cal. Civ. Code §831 (reasonable use of surface waters) | - |
| Retaining walls | - | Over 4 feet need engineering |
| Drainage | - | Preserve historical patterns |
| Design storm | - | 100-year flash-flood event |
| Compaction | - | 90% relative compaction typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a grading permit for a small backyard project?
If you're moving more than ~50 cubic yards of earth, disturbing more than 5,000 sq ft, or creating cuts/fills over a few feet in depth, yes. Smaller landscape regrading typically does not — but if drainage changes affect a neighbor, you can still face civil liability.
Can I drain my yard onto my neighbor's property?
No. Chino requires drainage plans to direct runoff to an approved outlet (street, storm drain, on-site detention). California Civil Code §831 and case law require 'reasonable use' of surface waters — you cannot concentrate or redirect runoff onto adjacent parcels.
Does Chino charge a drainage fee?
Yes. New development in master-planned areas pays drainage fees under the Drainage Master Plan financing program, which funds expansion of the city storm-drain system. Fees are calculated at building/grading permit issuance — contact Engineering at (909) 334-3253.
Who maintains the channel behind my house?
Master-planned channels like San Antonio Channel, Cypress Channel, and Chino Creek are typically San Bernardino County Flood Control District facilities. Smaller in-tract storm drains are city-maintained. Private drainage easements are the property owner's responsibility.
Victorville FAQ
Can I redirect water from my property?
Drainage must match pre-existing patterns; redirecting flows onto neighbors can trigger civil liability and code violations.
Do I need an engineer for my backyard grading?
Small projects under 50 cubic yards typically do not, but larger or sloped work requires engineered plans.
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