Grading & Drainage: Hesperia vs Ontario
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Ontario, CA?
Hesperia has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia enforces grading and drainage through HMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction), which adopts the California Building Code (Title 24 CCR Part 2) effective January 1, 2023. California Building Code Appendix J (Grading) governs grading permits, cut/fill slope ratios, drainage terraces, and setbacks from property lines when adopted. Grading permits are issued by the Hesperia Engineering Department; drainage analysis must comply with the city's standard drainage requirements and Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) post-construction BMPs.
View full Hesperia rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario requires a grading permit under OMC Title 6 for any earthwork over 50 cubic yards or cuts and fills deeper than 3 feet, with geotechnical review for projects over 500 cubic yards.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Code basis | CBC 2022 Appendix J + HMC Title 15 (effective Jan 1, 2023) | - |
| Permit authority | Hesperia Engineering Department + Building & Safety Division | - |
| Default max slope | 2:1 (horizontal:vertical) per CBC Appendix J §J106-J107 | - |
| Drainage terrace trigger | Slopes >30 vertical feet require terraces every 30 ft (CBC §J109) | - |
| Permit trigger | - | 50 cu yd or 3 ft deep |
| Geotech | - | Over 500 cu yd |
| Dust rule | - | SCAQMD Rule 403 |
| Retaining wall | - | Permit over 4 ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Do I need a grading permit for a small backyard re-grade?
Minor grading is generally exempt under CBC Appendix J §J103.2 (e.g., excavations less than 50 cubic yards on a single lot, less than 2 feet deep, not part of a building foundation). Larger grading, work near drainage courses, or work creating cuts/fills exceeding the §J103.2 thresholds requires a permit through the Hesperia Engineering Department.
Can my drainage discharge onto my neighbor's property?
No. Hesperia drainage review requires concentrated runoff to be discharged into an approved drainage system, not onto adjacent property. Doing so may also constitute a private nuisance under Cal. Civil Code §3479 and a violation of the city's drainage standards.
Ontario FAQ
Do I need a permit to add a foot of fill to my yard?
Only if the total volume exceeds 50 cubic yards or you create a slope steeper than 3:1 near a property line.
What is SCAQMD Rule 403?
It is the South Coast Air Quality Management District rule requiring dust control on graded sites via watering, covers, or soil binders.
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