Madera County, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Max cut slope
- 1:1
- Max fill slope
- 1 1/2:1
- Preferred grading window
- May 1 - Nov 30
- Sediment control
- Basins/traps required at clearing start
Summary
Construction and grading projects in unincorporated Madera County must retain sediment on site and hold cut slopes to 1:1 and fill slopes to 1 1/2:1 under the county's drainage and erosion control standards.
A.Sediment Control. Sediment shall be retained on the site. Sediment basins, sediment traps, or similar sediment control measures shall be installed at the time of clearing and grading operations. ... E.Slope Construction. Cuts shall be no steeper than 1:1 and fills shall be no steeper than 1½:1 unless soil conditions indicate a different slope is necessary for stability. Erosion control measures shall be specified to provide stabilization.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County Code § 14.50.080 sets the erosion and sediment control standards attached to a grading permit. Sediment basins or traps must be installed at the start of clearing and grading, native vegetation must be retained and protected where possible, and cut slopes may be no steeper than 1:1 with fill slopes no steeper than 1 1/2:1 unless soil conditions require otherwise. Grading should run May 1 through November 30 where possible, with more stringent controls required from December through April. Fill placed near a watercourse needs erosion protection, and material likely to wash into a river or stream cannot be stored there.
Violations & Fines
Violating the erosion-control standards or a grading permit's conditions is a misdemeanor under § 14.50.120, with each day a separate offense, and the county engineer can issue a stop-work order until the site is brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How steep can a cut slope be on a Madera County grading project?
Is there a preferred season for grading in Madera County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
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