Oakland regulates grading and drainage through the Oakland Municipal Code grading permit requirements. The city's hilly terrain makes proper grading critical for slope stability, erosion control, and drainage management.
Grading permits are required for significant earthwork under Oakland's building code. Oakland's Oakland Hills and other hilly areas require geotechnical reports for grading on slopes. Drainage must be directed away from structures and not concentrated onto neighboring properties. Projects in the Wildfire Prevention District (S-18 overlay) have additional grading requirements. The city reviews grading plans for compliance with the Oakland Municipal Code and the California Building Code. Cut and fill calculations, slope stability analysis, and drainage design are required for significant projects.
Unpermitted grading carries fines and potential stop-work orders. Grading that causes slope failure or drainage problems onto neighboring properties triggers enforcement and required remediation.
Oakland, CA
Oakland prohibits tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21 under federal T21 and CA STAKE Act. Oakland Municipal Code §5.91 requires a Tobacco Retailer Perm...
Oakland, CA
OMC Chapter 8.18 authorizes Oakland Police to declare a loud and unruly gathering, requiring dispersal and allowing the City to bill the property owner and h...
Oakland, CA
OMC Chapter 9.04 prohibits open containers of alcohol and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public streets, parks, and parking lots, with exceptions for ...
Oakland, CA
California Health and Safety Code 11362.3 prohibits cannabis smoking or vaping in public places and where tobacco smoking is banned. Oakland aligns under OMC...
Oakland, CA
OMC Chapter 8.30 prohibits smoking in city parks, public outdoor dining areas, transit waiting areas, service lines, and within 25 feet of building entrances...
Oakland, CA
Oakland prohibits commercial auto repair, body work, and mechanical service businesses in residential zones under OMC Title 17. Home occupations may not incl...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle grading & drainage.
See how Oakland'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.