Vacaville, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

010; the Building Official issues permits for residential or nonresidential grading moving 5,000 cubic yards or less, while the City Engineer issues permits for larger volumes, subdivision grading, or cuts and fills exceeding five vertical feet. Small projects are exempt only if they stay under 50 cubic yards, avoid hillside areas, and involve no special land forms, though any disturbance of an acre or more still triggers state construction stormwater permit coverage regardless of volume. 010(D) requires filter materials to keep construction debris and dirt out of the City storm drain system, and any cut or fill slope over three feet of erodible material that accepts overland flow must have approved erosion control installed immediately after grading if the work finishes between October 1st and April 30th, or no later than October 1st if graded during the dry season; the City Engineer, Building Official, or Director of Public Works may require a cash deposit to guarantee that deadline is met.

Additional devices such as check dams, sedimentation basins, riprap, or hydroseeding must be used when necessary to control erosion and protect water quality. Hillside grading on slopes of 25 percent or greater is prohibited unless specifically approved by the Director of Community Development and the City Engineer, and contractors must also control windblown dust and debris under subsection F. 020(A)(7) before final approval.