Grading & Drainage: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View requires a grading permit for any excavation or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards, any cut or fill over 4 feet deep, or work on slopes steeper than 3:1. Drainage must not cross property lines without easements.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose regulates grading and drainage through SJMC Chapter 17.04 (Grading Ordinance) and Title 20 (Zoning). A grading permit is required for excavation or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards, cuts or fills exceeding 5 feet in depth, or any grading on slopes steeper than 20%. All grading must maintain pre-development drainage patterns or provide engineered drainage solutions that prevent adverse impacts to neighboring properties.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Permit threshold | 50 cubic yards | - |
| Depth trigger | 4 feet cut or fill | - |
| Slope trigger | Steeper than 3:1 | - |
| Soils report | Required for larger projects | - |
| Wall permit | Retaining walls over 4 feet | - |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 17.04 |
| Permit Threshold | - | 50+ cubic yards or 5+ ft cut/fill depth |
| Slope Threshold | - | Grading on slopes >20% requires permit |
| Retaining Walls | - | Walls over 4 ft require building permit |
| Hillside Policy | - | Additional review for hillside properties |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need a permit to level my backyard?
Small grading under 50 cubic yards and less than 4 feet deep that does not alter drainage to neighbors is generally exempt. Larger projects or hillside work require a grading permit.
Can I redirect runoff to my neighbor's yard?
No. California common law and Mountain View code prohibit changing natural drainage in a way that harms neighbors. You may need a drainage easement for cross-lot flows.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a grading permit to level my backyard?
If the work involves more than 50 cubic yards of soil or cuts/fills deeper than 5 feet, a grading permit is required. Smaller projects may still need erosion controls.
Can I redirect drainage from my property to my neighbor's?
No. Grading and drainage improvements must not concentrate or redirect water onto neighboring properties. Engineered drainage plans may be required.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and San Jose 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