§ 23.05.038. Grading Plan Requirements.

All applications for a grading permit shall be accompanied by a grading plan consistent with this Section.

a.

Professionals qualified to prepare grading plans.

(1)

Grading Plans may be prepared by anyone who can accurately provide the necessary information for the application, grading plan, erosion and sedimentation control plan, drainage plan, and stormwater pollution prevention plan review. This may include the applicant, a draftsperson, designer, certified sedimentation and erosion control specialist or licensed individuals who are normally involved with a project such as a civil engineer, surveyor, architect, or landscape architect. Should additional information be required due to unique physical characteristics of the site, this may require the information be prepared by the appropriate licensed professional.

(2)

Grading Plans prepared for an Engineered Grading Plan (as defined by Subsection c) may be prepared only by professionals licensed by the State of California to prepare grading and drainage plans. The assistance of other professionals approved by the County is encouraged. These professionals may include landscape architects, soil engineers, geologists, engineering geologists, certified sedimentation and erosion control specialists, botanists, biologists, and archaeologists.

b.

Grading Plan content. A grading plan shall be legible and accurately drawn to scale using standard drafting techniques. Plans shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that they will conform to the provisions of the Grading Ordinance and all relevant codes and regulations. Plans shall include, but not be limited to, the following information unless waived by the Director:

(1)

General site information.

(i)

The name, address, and phone number of the owner and the person by whom the plans were prepared.

(ii)

A description of the land upon which the work is to be performed, including Assessor's Parcel Number, street address, tract, block, and lot number.

(iii)

An accurate location map with enough detail to find the site in the field and detailed directions to the site.

(iv)

An accurate site plan that delineates the limits of grading activities.

(v)

Photograph(s) (attached to plans) which clearly show the area to be disturbed and characteristics of the site.

(vi)

A written scope of work, including references to any documents associated with the scope of work. Where grading was previously unpermitted, discussion on background and history of the grading activities shall be included.

(2)

Work schedule and information.

(i)

A statement as to the specific intentions or ultimate purpose for which the grading is being performed.

(ii)

A work schedule, including the following information:

(a)

Proposed grading schedule and construction sequence of excavation, filling, stockpiling and other land disturbing activities.

(b)

Proposed timing and application of all erosion and sedimentation control and stormwater pollution prevention methods, practices, devices, and methods of cleaning and disposing of accumulated sediment collected by temporary and permanent sediment control devices.

(c)

Amount of time needed to complete grading activities, and the number and types of earth moving equipment to be used.

(d)

Testing schedule for compacted fills.

(iii)

A list of the inspections required under Section 23.05.052.

(3)

Topography and earthwork quantities.

(i)

Existing or natural ground contours, and proposed ground contours at intervals of no more than two feet for area to be graded and five feet for the remainder of site. On rural parcels exceeding 80 acres, existing and proposed contours shall be shown at two foot intervals for area to be graded, and the remainder of site at 20 foot intervals. The latest USGS topographic maps may be used as a source of information for the 20 foot intervals.

(ii)

An estimate of the volume of earth to be moved, expressed in cubic yards, verified and stamped by the engineer of record. Calculations shall be provided to support the estimate.

(iii)

An estimate of the surface area of earth to be moved, expressed in square feet, verified and stamped by the engineer of record. Calculations shall be provided to support the estimate.

(iv)

An estimate of the total area of site disturbance, expressed in square feet. This total shall include all vegetation removal in addition to soil disturbance.

(v)

An estimate of total area in square feet of native vegetation to be removed.

(4)

Cuts and fills.

(i)

Cuts and fills shall be limited to the minimum amount necessary to establish the proposed use. Specify amounts of cut and fill. Identify location of site(s) to receive fill, showing area and depth of fill. Identify location of borrow site(s) and depth of borrow. Whenever possible, cut and fill should be balanced on the site.

(a)

If fill materials are imported to the site, provide information regarding the proposed source(s) and amount of material. If the source changes due to other materials becoming available, this information shall be provided to the Department of Planning and Building as known.

(b)

If excavated materials are exported provide statement of amount, method of disposal, proposed location(s), and details on applicable permits.

(c)

If permits are necessary for the site providing the fill material or receiving excavated material, provide evidence that permits have been issued for that site.

(d)

Provide information regarding the proposed routes for hauling material, hours of work, and methods of controlling dust.

(ii)

An estimate of the maximum and minimum vertical depth of cuts and fills, expressed in feet and cut and fill slope ratios.

(iii)

Any required retaining walls or other means of retaining cuts or fills. Additionally, provide details and calculations of the retaining walls, drainage devices, and all other protective structures to be constructed as part of the grading permit.

(5)

Finish elevations.

(i)

Elevation of the finish floor of the garage or other parking areas.

(ii)

Ground and finish floor elevations at the base of building or structure corners.

(iii)

Elevations of the edge of pavement or road at driveway entrance.

(iv)

Elevations of the top of wall and bottom of footing of proposed retaining walls.

(6)

Site improvements and features.

(i)

The location of all existing and proposed surface and subsurface drainage ways and drainage systems on the site and adjacent property which may affect or be affected by the proposed project.

(ii)

The location of all existing and proposed buildings, structures, easements, groundwater recharge areas, wells or sewage disposal systems on site, and the approximate location of these items on adjacent property that are within 100 feet of the property boundary or which may affect or be affected by the proposed project. Show spot elevations at corners of existing and proposed buildings or structures and lots where proposed grading will occur.

(iii)

Location, description, type or topographic description of existing rock outcropping, natural feature, vegetation, individual oak trees, wooded areas or trees that are five inches or greater in diameter measured 4.5 feet above ground level proposed for disturbance and/or removal. Botanical, archaeological, or biological surveys prepared by a qualified individual may be required where warranted. Show centerline of streams and flood plain lines, if applicable. Clearly identify on the plan the boundary and general characteristics of areas within which no disturbance will occur.

(7)

Soils.

(i)

A copy of a soils map and soils descriptions covering the project site and adjacent properties (available for free through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Upper Salinas - Las Tablas and Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation Districts, or online).

(ii)

When required by the Director, each application for a grading permit shall be accompanied by two sets of supporting data consisting of a civil engineering report, soil engineering report, engineering geology report, erosion and sedimentation control report, and/or any other reports necessary. In many instances this information may be shown on the face of the plan.

(iii)

Reports shall be prepared by qualified professionals with experience in report preparation and grading plan implementation. Recommendations included in the reports that are approved by the Director shall be incorporated into the grading plan. (See Subsection c, Engineered Grading Requirements.)

(iv)

Clearly shown groundwater recharge methods that have been incorporated into the project design.

(v)

A drainage plan if required by Section 23.05.040.

(vi)

An erosion and sedimentation control plan (Section 23.05.042), including protective measures to be taken during construction, such as hydro-mulching, berms (temporary or permanent), interceptor ditches, subsurface drains, terraces, and/or sediment traps in order to prevent erosion of the cut faces of excavations or of the sloping surfaces of fills. No grading work shall be permitted unless the plans and specifications submitted for approval include an erosion and sedimentation control plan (and SWPPP if applicable) approved by the Building Official. The requirements of the erosion and sedimentation control plan shall be implemented, as required by the plan, prior to, during, and after any grading. Control measures contained in the erosion and sedimentation control plan shall be implemented according to the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) Handbooks (reference: http://www.cabmphandbooks.com).

(vii)

Stormwater control measures. Where required by Section 23.05.044 (such as when construction activity includes one acre or more of disturbance or is part of a common development of one acre or greater):

(a)

The application shall include a copy of the Notice of Intent (NOI) and the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

(b)

The owner and/or permit holder of any property on which grading has been performed and that requires a grading permit under Section 23.05.028 shall put into effect and maintain all precautionary measures necessary to protect adjacent watercourses and public or private property. These measures shall be designed to avoid damage by erosion, flooding, and deposition of mud, debris and construction-related pollutants originating from the site. These measures shall remain in effect during and after grading and related construction activities as set forth in the SWPPP.

(c)

The owner and/or permit holder shall be responsible for applying and maintaining appropriate measures necessary to prevent any change in cross-lot surface drainage that may adversely affect any adjoining property as a result of grading and/or construction-related activities. Such measures to prevent any adverse cross-lot surface drainage effects on adjoining property shall be required whether shown on approved grading plans or not.

(viii)

All applicable dust control measures required by Section 23.05.050.c.

(8)

Additional information. Additional plans, drawings, calculations, or information deemed necessary by the Director to adequately review, assess, and evaluate the proposed project's impacts and to show that the proposed work conforms with the requirements of the Grading Ordinance and other applicable provisions of this Code.

c.

Engineered Grading Plan requirements. When required pursuant to Subsection c(1), the grading plan shall be prepared and signed and sealed by a qualified, registered civil engineer or other qualified professional licensed by the state to perform such work, and shall include specifications covering construction, inspection and material requirements in addition to the information required in compliance with Subsection b. Additionally, those items required by Subsections c(2) through c(4) shall accompany the grading plans.

(1)

When required. Engineered grading is required when one or more of the following circumstances exist:

(i)

The grading will involve 5,000 cubic yards or more (cumulative).

(ii)

The grading involves site work on slopes of 20 percent or greater.

(iii)

The proposed grading is located within a Geologic Study Area or Flood Hazard area.

(iv)

The Director has cause to believe that geologic hazards may be involved.

(v)

The proposed grading is located within 100 feet of an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area.

(2)

Site and drainage report. The site and drainage report, shall include, but not be limited to:

(i)

The date the report was prepared and the name, address, and phone number of firm or individual who prepared the report.

(ii)

Hydrology calculations showing maximum peak discharges of water runoff for 10-year and 100-year storm frequencies and comparison of runoff with and without project. Hydraulic calculations for existing downstream runoff conveyance systems that will be impacted by the proposed project runoff.

(iii)

Summary of the groundwater recharge methods that have been incorporated into the project design.

(iv)

Inspection and approval to establish lines and grades, design criteria for corrective measures, including the required safe storm drainage capacity of channels both on- and off-site.

(v)

Soils, geology, or civil engineer's opinions and recommendations concerning adequacy of site to be developed by the proposed grading.

(vi)

Sequence and type of recommended inspections.

(3)

Geotechnical report. The geotechnical report, shall contain, but need not be limited to, all the following information:

(i)

The date the report was prepared and the name, address and phone number of firm or individual who prepared the report.

(ii)

Data regarding the nature, distribution, and strength of existing soils.

(iii)

Data regarding the nature, distribution, and strength of soil to be placed on the site, if any.

(iv)

Conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures.

(v)

Conclusions and recommended designs for interim soil stabilization devices and measures for permanent soil stabilization after construction are completed.

(vi)

Design criteria for corrective measures including buttress fills, when necessary.

(vii)

Identification of existing cuts and fills on site, recommended measures for compaction, slope stability and other factors affecting suitability for support of a structure.

(viii)

Engineer's opinions and recommendations concerning adequacy for the intended use of site to be developed by the proposed grading as affected by soils engineering factors, including the stability of slopes, foundation recommendation, soil design criteria, liquefaction, expansive soil, loose or soft soils, areas of unknown problems, undocumented fill, cut/fill, unusual loading, shallow ground water or springs, and landslides.

(ix)

Sequence and type of recommended inspections.

(4)

Engineering geology report. The engineering geology report shall comply with protocol approved by the Department of Planning and Building and shall contain, but need not be limited to, the following information:

(i)

The date the report was prepared and the name, address, and phone number of firm or individual who prepared the report.

(ii)

An adequate description of the geology of the site.

(iii)

Conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development.

(iv)

An opinion on the adequacy for the intended use of site to be developed by the proposed grading, as affected by geologic factors.

(v)

Need for underground drainage devices or opportunities for underground recharge devices.

(vi)

Sequence and type of recommended inspections.

(vii)

If the proposed grading is for a habitable structure, and the geologist has identified evidence of recent fault ruptures occurring near the proposed structure, additional geological information will be necessary. The guidelines suggested in the California Division of Mines and Geology Notes #49 or subsequent additions shall be used to prepare this supplemental report.

[Added 2013, Ord. 3253]

Editor's note

See editor's note, § 23.05.020.