Rancho Cordova Municipal Code Title 22 (adopting Sacramento County grading standards) requires a grading permit for any earthwork over 50 cubic yards or cuts/fills over 3 feet; erosion/sediment controls and NPDES compliance required for disturbance over 1 acre.
RCMC Title 22 adopts the Sacramento County Grading, Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance (Title 16 County Code) by reference. Permits required for: grading over 50 cubic yards, cuts/fills deeper than 3 feet, slopes steeper than 2:1, or any work within a drainage way/floodplain. Grading plans must be prepared by a licensed civil engineer for disturbances over 10,000 sq ft. Projects disturbing 1+ acre trigger State Water Board Construction General Permit (NPDES) requirements with SWPPP filed through CalSMARTS. Rancho Cordova's proximity to American River drainages imposes additional riparian setback protections under CA Fish & Game Code §1600. Winter operations (October 15–April 15) require enhanced BMPs. Grading permits are issued by Sacramento County Building Division on the city's behalf.
Stop-work order issued for grading without permit; $500-$1,000 administrative citation first offense; daily fines up to $2,500 for continuing violations. NPDES non-compliance: State Water Board penalties up to $10,000/day. Unauthorized grading in floodplain subject to removal/restoration at owner's expense.
Rancho Cordova, CA
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