Riverside, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

030 governs erosion control on graded sites. It splits the requirement into dust control and erosion control. " On erosion, the code targets any cut or fill slope of real height: "The faces of cut and fill slopes which measure five feet or greater in vertical height shall be treated and maintained to control against erosion and protect the public health, safety, and welfare. This control shall consist of effective planting, and/or, check dams, cribbing, riprap other devices. " The code carves out an exception where the cut material itself resists erosion, in which case protection may be omitted.

030 also folds in a landscaping mandate for those same slopes: plant materials must be compatible with adjacent natural vegetation and suited to the site's climate and soil, high-water-use plants should be avoided, and fire-resistant, drought-tolerant species are preferred wherever feasible. Trees six inches or more in trunk diameter (measured three feet above grade) must be shown on the grading plan and preserved in place where possible, subject to the Community & Economic Development Director's determination. 010(E) layers a state-law trigger on top of the local rule: for construction disturbing at least one acre, the applicant must file a Notice of Intent with the State Water Resources Control Board and develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) before grading begins.

010(A) additionally requires an interim erosion control plan as part of every grading permit application package, so erosion measures are reviewed before ground is broken, not after. 36.