Sacramento County grading regulated under County Code Chapter 16.44. Permits required for earthwork exceeding 50 cu yd, cuts/fills over specified depths, or work on steep slopes. Drainage must not be diverted onto neighboring properties. County drainage standards follow the Sacramento County Improvement Standards and Hydrology Manual.
Sacramento County Code Chapter 16.44 requires a grading permit for most earthwork projects including excavations, fills, and land disturbance exceeding 50 cubic yards or creating cuts/fills over specified heights (typically 3 feet unsupported). Permits require soils reports for significant projects, grading plans sealed by a licensed engineer for larger work, and erosion/sediment control BMPs. Drainage must comply with the Sacramento County Improvement Standards and the Hydrology Manual; developers must design facilities to handle the 10-, 25-, or 100-year storm event depending on project type. Post-construction discharges must not increase peak flows onto downstream properties (hydromodification rules). Common-law rules prohibit diverting surface water onto adjoining properties in a concentrated manner that causes damage. Work within 50 feet of a waterway or levee typically triggers additional requirements including SAFCA coordination and potentially a 404 permit from the Army Corps.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones. Generally allowed in side or rear yards with scree...
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not generally prohibit overnight street parking in residential areas. The CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule applies. Some comme...
Sacramento County, CA
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. 30-day written notice is required before building or rep...
Sacramento County, CA
Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set bac...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attra...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle grading & drainage.
See how Vineyard's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.