Fullerton, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

The City Building Official administers erosion control through Appendix J of the 2025 California Building Code, locally amended by Fullerton Code of Ordinances Chapter 14.03. Section 14.03.180 (J103.1) requires a grading permit from the City Engineer or Building Official whenever grading will alter the existing storm water flow pattern, with narrow exemptions in § 14.03.190 (J103.2) for isolated self-contained grading, small excavations under 50 cubic yards, and similar minor work. Section 14.03.170 (J101.5) separately obligates any permittee to put into effect and maintain precautionary measures protecting adjacent water courses and property from erosion, flooding, and construction pollutants, and bars any increase in cross-lot storm water runoff.

The core design standard sits in § 14.03.210 (J109.5): erosion and sediment controls, including temporary and permanent de-silting catch basins, surfacing, and slope planting, must be sized to withstand a 25-year frequency storm based on the season the work will run. Section 14.03.230 (J112.1) then forbids any grading between October 1 and April 15 unless the required protective devices are already in place, and requires the owner to maintain them afterward without removal absent written Building Official approval. Where erosion failure could create a hazardous condition, § 14.03.230 (J112.2) requires a performance bond covering storm-protection and corrective work, and (J112.3) adds a liability bond backed by a general liability policy with a minimum $500,000 per-occurrence limit naming the city as additional insured.

Import or export grading also requires a cash bond of $500 or 5% of haul valuation under J112.4. Plans are reviewed by the Director of Community and Economic Development, the Planning Commission, or City Council, and a denial is appealable first to the Planning Commission and then to City Council under J112.6.