San Diego, CA Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Grading in the City of San Diego is regulated under San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 1 (Grading Regulations) and Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 6 (Stormwater Runoff and Drainage). A grading permit is required for any earthwork that exceeds the City Engineer's threshold quantities (commonly any cut or fill greater than 200 cubic yards, slopes higher than 5 feet, or work that alters drainage patterns), and any work within an Environmentally Sensitive Land (ESL) overlay. Submittals are reviewed by Development Services Department (DSD) at 1222 First Avenue. The grading plan must show existing and proposed contours, the limits of all FEMA Special Flood Hazard Zones (SFHA) with Base Flood Elevations, all drainage easements, and details of every cut and fill slope. Per SDMC Sec. 86.710, all manufactured slopes (any slope created by grading) must be revegetated to provide stable, erosion-resistant cover. Slopes greater than 3 feet in height require landscape and irrigation plans showing hydroseeding mix, application rates, and irrigation system, per the City of San Diego Landscape Standards Sections 4.3 (Revegetation) and 4.4 (Hydroseeding). Hydroseed mixes must use approved native or naturalized species; non-native invasive plants are prohibited. Erosion and sediment-control BMPs (silt fences, fiber rolls, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances) must be shown on plans and maintained throughout the rainy season (October 1 – April 30) per the City's Stormwater Standards Manual. The Drainage Review Group reviews drainage studies for code conformance.