Grading & Drainage: Hesperia vs San Bernardino
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Hesperia, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Hesperia and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino requires grading permits for excavation or fill over 50 cubic yards or cut/fill over 3 feet. Positive drainage away from structures and downstream neighbors is required under the California Building Code.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Grading Permit Trigger | - | 50 cu yd or 3 ft cut/fill |
| Foundation Drainage | - | 6 inch fall in 10 feet |
| Retaining Wall Permit | - | Over 4 ft height |
| Slope Trigger | - | Steeper than 3:1 |
| Drainage Law | - | Keys v. Romley reasonableness |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need a grading permit for my San Bernardino backyard project?
If you move more than 50 cubic yards of dirt, cut or fill over 3 feet deep, or grade on slopes steeper than 3:1, a grading permit is required. Smaller landscaping work is typically exempt but must still maintain positive drainage and not harm neighbors.
Can my neighbor redirect runoff onto my property?
No. Under California drainage law (Keys v. Romley) adjacent owners must use reasonable care in modifying surface drainage. Concentrated runoff that causes damage can be remedied in Superior Court, and the San Bernardino Code Enforcement may enforce grading violations.
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