Tehama County, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- >250 cubic yards or 10,000+ sq ft
- Watercourse buffer
- 150 feet triggers permit requirement
- Discretionary threshold
- >2,000 cubic yards or 5+ acres
- Single-family exception
- Ministerial permit only, no CEQA
- Administering agency
- Dept. of Public Works Director
Summary
Any grading in unincorporated Tehama County above set thresholds, cubic yardage, disturbed area, or proximity to a watercourse, requires a county grading permit before work begins.
Except as provided in Section 9.43.060, no person shall do, cause, permit, aid, abet, suffer, or furnish equipment or labor for any grading without first obtaining a grading permit in accordance with this chapter. A grading permit may allow for preliminary grading as part of a valid and effective building permit, subdivision construction plan, or other development or land use entitlement. Preliminary grading permitted for a subdivision project shall limit the work thereunder to that necessary for septic testing, water well drilling, environmental assessments, or surveying. Grading permits associated with any building permit, subdivision construction plan, or other development or land use entitlement shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 1901 § 1(part), 2008)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
Tehama County requires a grading permit under § 9.43.050 before any excavation, filling, or earth movement occurs in the unincorporated area, unless an exemption in § 9.43.060 applies (agricultural cultivation, firebreaks, utility trenching, and similar activities). A permit is triggered when grading involves more than 250 cubic yards, occurs within 150 feet of a watercourse, disturbs 10,000 square feet or more, or creates a road or building pad, per § 9.43.030(D). Projects moving more than 2,000 cubic yards or disturbing more than 5 acres need a discretionary permit subject to CEQA review; grading for a single-family home on one parcel only needs a simpler ministerial permit. The Director of Public Works administers the program.
Violations & Fines
Grading without a permit can trigger a stop-work order, a misdemeanor fine up to $1,000 with up to six months in jail, and administrative penalties up to $5,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does building a house in unincorporated Tehama County always need a discretionary grading permit?
How much dirt can I move in Tehama County without any grading permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tehama County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tehama County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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