Sacramento County requires erosion and sediment control BMPs on all grading and construction sites. County Code Chapter 16.44 implements the Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control Ordinance. Wet-season (October 1 to April 30) requires enhanced measures including stabilization of disturbed areas. Violations can stop work and trigger penalties.
Sacramento County Code Chapter 16.44 (Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control) requires all construction and grading projects to implement Best Management Practices to prevent soil erosion and sediment discharge. Required measures typically include silt fences, fiber rolls, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances, and vegetative cover. The wet season runs October 1 through April 30; during this period, all disturbed soil surfaces must be stabilized within specified timeframes, and project sites must maintain sufficient erosion control materials on-site. Grading permits are required for earthwork exceeding 50 cubic yards or creating cuts/fills of certain depths. Projects on slopes exceeding 10 percent or adjacent to waterways have heightened requirements. Sites over 1 acre must also comply with the State Construction General Permit and submit a SWPPP. Code enforcement, Environmental Management, and the Regional Water Board can issue stop-work orders and penalties.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Sacramento County's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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