Modesto requires a grading permit before any excavation, fill, clearing, or stockpiling on new development. Projects of 1 acre or more must file an NPDES Notice of Intent and submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan; smaller projects still need an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
MMC §§ 5-10.301, 5-10.303, and 5-10.304 (Title 5, Ch. 10 – Stormwater Management, Art. 3 – Grading and Erosion Control) govern land-disturbing activities. A grading permit is required before excavation, fill, clearing, or stockpiling. Projects 1 acre or more must file a state Notice of Intent (NOI) and submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Projects under 1 acre need an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Applications go through the City's eTRAKiT portal. Civil engineering plans and cost estimates are required. Disturbed soil must be stabilized within 21 calendar days of final grading. Land Development Engineering Division enforces.
Grading without a permit or failure to implement required erosion controls may result in stop-work orders, mandatory restoration, and civil penalties up to $2,500 per day under MMC Title 1.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Modesto's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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