Camarillo issues grading permits under CMC Title 16 (Building Code), which incorporates the California Building Code's grading and drainage provisions (CBC Appendix J). Any cut, fill, or change to surface drainage that exceeds adopted thresholds requires plans, a soils/geotechnical report on hillside sites, and inspection sign-offs.
CMC Chapter 16.04 adopts the 2025 California Building Code by Ordinance 2034 and pulls in CBC Appendix J for grading, which requires a permit for any cut deeper than 5 feet, any fill of more than 50 cubic yards, or any work that alters established surface drainage. Plans must show finished contours, drainage patterns, retaining walls (CMC Title 19 fence/wall rules also apply), and erosion-control BMPs. Hillside parcels require a geotechnical investigation by a licensed engineer. Drainage cannot be redirected to neighboring properties.
Grading without a permit triggers a stop-work order, double permit fees on the after-the-fact permit, and administrative citations. Diverting drainage onto a neighbor's property can also create civil liability under California Civil Code §3479 (nuisance).
Camarillo, CA
Vehicles operating on public streets are exempt from CMC Chapter 10.34. CA Vehicle Code §27007 limits vehicle exhaust noise to 95 dBA. Modified exhausts and ...
Camarillo, CA
Camarillo restricts livestock to agricultural and rural-exclusive zones under CMC Title 19. Keeping horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and similar large animals i...
Camarillo, CA
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Camarillo under California Water Code Section 10574. Residents may collect rainwater from rooftops for irriga...
Camarillo, CA
Camarillo does not have a citywide ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, or seasonal yard decorations. Restrictions...
Camarillo, CA
Camarillo does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by ordinance. Setup is subject only to general code provisions — electrical safety under ...
Camarillo, CA
Camarillo's municipal code does not set citywide hours or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Light displays must comply with CMC Chapt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle grading & drainage.
See how Camarillo's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.