Any project disturbing more than 50 cubic yards of soil in Riverside requires a grading permit under RMC Title 17, and lot drainage must be directed away from structures per California Building Code and RMC §17.28.010.E.
Riverside Municipal Code Title 17 governs grading and drainage. Any person proposing to disturb more than 50 cubic yards of soil must obtain a grading permit from the Public Works Department. Applications require three sets of grading plans, plan-check fee, preliminary soils report, and a first-submittal checklist. Plan-check turnaround is 20 days for first review and 10 days for resubmittals (both for grading-only and grading-with-WQMP). Plans under 5,000 cubic yards may be signed by an architect; park projects above 5,000 cubic yards (not supporting a structure, fill depth ≤10 ft) may be signed by a landscape architect. Exemptions are listed in RMC §17.12.010 (agricultural grading, pool excavation, minor grading certified by a licensed civil engineer). Lot drainage on the subject lot must be directed away from any structure per the California Building Code and RMC §17.28.010.E. Larger projects must also comply with the WQMP and city storm-drain design standards.
Grading without a permit, or in violation of approved plans, is enforced under RMC Title 17 and Title 1 general penalty provisions (infraction or misdemeanor). Public Works may issue stop-work orders, require restoration to pre-grading condition, and forfeit grading bonds. Improper lot drainage that damages neighboring property can also expose owners to civil nuisance liability.
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