Grading in Chico is regulated under California Building Code Appendix J as adopted in Chico Municipal Code Title 16, plus engineering and drainage standards administered by Public Works. A grading permit is required for cuts exceeding 5 feet, fills exceeding 1 foot on slopes >5:1 or supporting structures, and any disturbance of 50 cubic yards or more (CBC App. J §J103).
Exempted work under CBC Appendix J §J103.2 includes excavation under 50 cy that is not on a slope steeper than 5:1, retaining walls under 4 ft of unbalanced fill, and routine landscape work. Cut slopes generally must not exceed 2:1 (H:V) and fill slopes 2:1 unless geotechnical analysis allows steeper. Site drainage must direct runoff to an approved point of discharge with at least 2% slope away from foundations for the first 10 feet (CBC §1804.4). All grading plans require erosion control per §J109. Plans for >50 cy or any work in a SFHA must be prepared by a licensed civil engineer.
Unpermitted grading is a misdemeanor under CMC Title 16 with double-fee permit restoration and possible restoration order. Work creating drainage impacts on neighbors can trigger civil nuisance liability under Civil Code §3479.
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