Orange County requires Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs) for all grading and building projects in unincorporated areas. The OC Grading and Excavation Code (OCCO Title 7, Division 1, Article 8) and the NPDES MS4 permit mandate erosion prevention BMPs during construction to protect waterways and coastal resources.
Under OCCO Title 7, Division 1, Article 8 (Grading and Excavation Code), all grading permits require submission of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) with grading and building plan sets. The ESCP must identify specific BMPs for controlling erosion and sedimentation during each phase of construction including fiber rolls, silt fences, gravel bags, stabilized construction entrances, and hydroseeding of exposed slopes. The OC Grading Manual (2017 Edition) details drainage and terracing requirements under Subarticle 11, requiring all cut and fill slopes to be protected with erosion control measures. Projects disturbing one acre or more must obtain State Construction General Permit coverage and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). OC Development Services inspectors verify ESCP implementation during grading inspections.
Failure to implement erosion control measures can result in stop-work orders from OC Development Services, withholding of final grading approval, and fines under the NPDES permit. State penalties for sediment discharge violations can reach $10,000 per day. Grading without a permit is a violation of OCCO §7-1-811, subject to administrative penalties.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle erosion control.
See how Mission Viejo's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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