Grading & Drainage: Daly City vs South San Francisco

Can I grade my backyard without a permit?

Minor grading below the Appendix J thresholds (cuts <5 ft and <50 cubic yards) is typically exempt, but the work still cannot redirect water onto neighbors or block existing drainage. Check with the Building Division before any cut on a sloped lot.

Can I drain my downspouts into my neighbor's yard?

No. Cal. Civil Code §3479 (nuisance) and CBC §J109 prohibit creating concentrated runoff that crosses property lines. Daly City requires drainage to be conveyed to a public storm drain, gutter, or approved on-site infiltration.

Do I need a soils report for hillside work?

Yes - properties on the Westlake/Northridge slopes or within the Mussel Rock landslide complex generally require a geotechnical investigation and an engineering geology report under Appendix J §J104.3 before a grading permit is issued.

How do I know if my property exceeds 20% slope?

20% slope equals a rise of 2 feet over 10 feet of horizontal distance. On a topographic survey, contours closer together than 5 ft apart at 1-ft intervals typically indicate slopes over 20%. County GIS has slope layers, but for permit determination you'll need a licensed surveyor's topographic map of your parcel.

Can I level my backyard myself with a rented skid steer?

If the cumulative cut AND fill total stays under 250 cubic yards, no grading permit is required provided slopes remain under 20% and you're not near a creek. But you still must not redirect drainage onto neighbors, must maintain erosion controls during work, and may not create cut/fill over 3 ft in height. When in doubt, call Planning at (650) 363-4161.