Grading and drainage in Daly City are governed by California Building Code Appendix J (grading) as adopted in Title 12 of the Municipal Code. A grading permit from the Daly City Building/Engineering Division is required for cuts or fills exceeding the Appendix J thresholds, and all sites must direct drainage to an approved point of discharge without creating runoff onto neighboring properties.
California Building Code Appendix J §J103.1 requires a grading permit for any grading work unless specifically exempted. Common exemptions include cuts under 5 feet vertical and less than 50 cubic yards, fills under 1 foot in depth not intended to support structures, and excavations for utilities. Daly City's hillside topography (Westlake, Hillside, Top of the Hill, Northridge bluff) makes most additions, retaining walls, and new construction subject to grading review. Appendix J §J109 requires that lots be drained so surface water does not pond against foundations and that runoff is directed to an approved drainage course, storm sewer, or other approved point. CBC §1804.4 and §1805 require lot grading to slope away from foundations at minimum 5% within the first 10 feet. Cuts on the geologically active Mussel Rock / Westlake landslide complex trigger geotechnical and engineering-geology reports under Appendix J §J104.3. New impervious surfaces of 10,000 sq ft or more also trigger MRP C.3 stormwater treatment review.
Grading without a permit, working outside permitted limits, or failing to direct drainage to an approved discharge point are violations of Title 12 / CBC Appendix J. Penalties include stop-work orders, requirement to restore the site, double permit fees for unpermitted work, and possible civil action by downhill neighbors for runoff damage.
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