Grading work in Chino requires a grading permit under California Building Code Appendix J (adopted by reference in Chino Municipal Code Title 15), with drainage plans showing positive flow away from structures, no concentrated runoff onto neighboring properties, and tie-in to the city's master-planned storm drain system. Major drainage facilities are governed by the City of Chino Drainage Master Plan (1993, updated 1998, 2003, 2022) covering 11.25 sq mi in Subarea 1 and 8.5 sq mi in Subarea 2 (The Preserve).
Chino Building & Safety / Engineering issues grading permits under CBC Appendix J. Typical permit triggers: any project moving 50+ cubic yards of earth, disturbing 5,000+ sq ft of soil, creating cuts or fills over a few feet in depth, or affecting drainage to adjacent parcels. Submittal package includes a grading plan stamped by a licensed civil engineer (for projects above small thresholds), drainage calculations, erosion/sediment control plan, and — for priority projects — a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). Cut and fill slopes generally cannot be steeper than 2:1 (horizontal:vertical) without engineered analysis. Drainage must direct runoff to approved outlets (street gutter, storm drain inlet, on-site detention, or master-planned channel) — concentrating runoff onto a neighboring lot is a civil and code violation. New development in The Preserve specific-plan area (Subarea 2, southeast Chino) ties into master-planned basins added in 2003. Properties draining toward Chino Creek, San Antonio Channel, or Cypress Channel must coordinate with San Bernardino County Flood Control District facilities. California Civil Code §831 and the common-law 'reasonable use' rule on surface waters limit what an upstream owner can change. Drainage fees may apply under the Drainage Master Plan financing program.
Stop-work orders, mandatory corrective grading, and administrative citations under CMC Title 1 (typical schedule $100 first / $200 second / $500 third per Cal. Gov. Code §36900). Unpermitted grading can require complete removal and restoration to original contours at owner expense. Drainage discharges damaging neighboring property are also actionable in civil court under Cal. Civil Code §831 and nuisance law.
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