Hayward requires grading permits for earthwork over 50 cubic yards or any work in hillside areas. Drainage must not adversely affect adjacent properties and must follow C.3 stormwater LID standards.
Grading and drainage in Hayward are regulated under the Hayward Municipal Code Chapter 9 Building Regulations adopting the California Building Code Appendix J and Hayward hillside provisions. A grading permit is required for any excavation or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards, any cut over 5 feet deep, any fill over 3 feet in depth, or any grading in designated hillside areas regardless of volume. Due to the Hayward Fault and steep hillside topography in upper Hayward, geotechnical soils reports by a licensed engineer are commonly required. Drainage patterns cannot be altered to divert water onto neighboring properties, and all new impervious areas must drain to approved bioretention or sewer systems per C.3 requirements. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) require a building permit and engineered design.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Hayward, CA
Construction noise in Hayward is generally permitted Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM, with no construction allowed on Sundays or holidays in residentia...
Hayward, CA
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross weight or 22 feet in length are prohibited from parking overnight in Hayward residential districts under Hayward...
Hayward, CA
Hayward permits on-street parking with a 72-hour maximum on public streets before a vehicle is deemed abandoned under CVC 22651(k). Many downtown blocks have...
Hayward, CA
Hayward restricts RV, trailer, and boat parking on public streets to 72 hours and on residential front yards where they must be screened or stored in side or...
Hayward, CA
Hayward bans barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fencing in residential zones. Chain link is allowed but may need front-yard screening. Historic districts ...
Hayward, CA
Hayward allows fences up to 6 feet in rear and side yards and 3 to 4 feet in front. Corner visibility triangles need lower heights. Taller fences need a perm...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle grading & drainage.
See how Hayward's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.