Yakima, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt excavation depth
- Under 3 feet deep
- Exempt fill depth
- Under 2 feet, flat terrain
- Exempt cut slope
- Under 6 feet, under 66.7% grade
- Fees for non-exempt grading
- Set by City Master Fee Schedule
- Max penalty
- $250 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Yakima requires a grading permit for most excavation and fill work under its adopted building code, but exempts small jobs, cuts under three feet, fills under two feet, and other limited-impact grading, from that requirement.
J103.2 Exemptions. A grading permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.
2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code.
3. Cemetery graves.
4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
5. Excavations for wells, or trenches for utilities.
6. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stockpiling rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay controlled by other regulations, provided such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses in, soil on adjoining properties.
7. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered design professional. This phrase was added to assure that the “exploratory excavation” is not to begin construction of a building prior to receiving a permit for the sole purpose of preparing a soils report.
8. An excavation that (1) is less than 3 feet (915 mm) in depth or (2) does not create a cut slope greater than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height and steeper than 1 unit vertical in 1-1/2 units horizontal (66.7% slope).
9.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Yakima administers grading under Appendix J of the 2021 Washington State Building Code as locally amended. Section J103.2 lists activities exempt from a grading permit, including excavations less than 3 feet deep or with cut slopes under 6 feet, fills under 2 feet on flat terrain (or under 4 feet and 100 cubic yards), test holes tied to septic permits, and grading designed to WSDOT, APWA or FHWA standards (YMC § 11.04.J103.2). Where grading isn't exempt, plan review and permit fees are set by the City of Yakima Master Fee Schedule and charged by volume of cut or fill (YMC § 11.04.J104).
Violations & Fines
Grading without a required permit, or outside an exemption, violates the adopted building code and is punishable under YMC § 11.01.010 by a fine up to $250 and up to 90 days' jail, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade or fill my Yakima property?
Who administers grading permits in Yakima?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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