The Orange County Grading and Excavation Code (OCCO Title 7, Division 1, Article 8) requires grading permits for all excavation and earthwork in unincorporated areas. Section 7-1-805 prohibits grading, clearing, brushing, or grubbing without a permit from the Building Official. Drainage facilities must conform to Subarticle 11 of the OC Grading Manual.
Under OCCO §7-1-805, no person shall conduct grading, clearing, brushing, or grubbing without first obtaining a grading permit from the Building Official. The OC Grading Manual (2017 Edition) Subarticle 11 governs drainage facilities and terracing requirements. All cut and fill slopes must have proper drainage systems, and finished surfaces must direct water away from structures and toward approved drainage facilities. Rough grading permits require geotechnical reports, drainage studies, and grading plans prepared by a licensed civil engineer. Section 7-1-808 requires a separate Excavation Blasting Permit from the OC Fire Authority for any use of explosives. Precise grading plans must show drainage patterns, lot-to-lot drainage, building pad elevations, and connections to the public storm drain system. OC Development Services reviews all submittals against the current California Building Code and county-specific amendments.
Grading without a permit violates OCCO §7-1-811, which classifies violations as infractions or misdemeanors. Penalties include fines, stop-work orders, and potential requirement to restore the site to pre-grading conditions at the violator's expense. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense. Building Officials may deny future permits until violations are corrected.
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