Stockton, CA Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Stockton regulates grading and on-site drainage through two complementary chapters. Title 15 Chapter 15.48 (Grading and Erosion Control) sets the permit requirements, application contents, and engineered grading plan standards — applications must include grading plans and, where applicable, environmental review documents, conditions of approval, NOIs, SWPPPs and ESCPs. Title 16 Chapter 16.72 (Public Improvements) requires that pipes or under-walk drains 'of size and at grade required by the City Engineer shall be installed to maintain drainage' as part of new development. The City Engineer reviews grading plans for compliance with adopted standards including the California Building Code grading appendix, City of Stockton standard drawings, and the post-construction LID requirements in Ch. 13.20. Lots are required to drain so that surface flows reach an approved discharge point (street, public storm drain, or approved on-site infiltration/detention facility) without ponding against structures or causing nuisance flows onto neighboring parcels. Where development is within an SFHA, grading and finished-floor elevations must also satisfy Chapter 16.90 floodplain findings.