More information on constructing or installing fences and walls.

A grading permit shall be obtained from the City’s Building Official for any grading work, except as specified in the following cases:

• Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.
• An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit.
• Cemetery graves.
• Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
• Excavation for wells or tunnels or utilities which do not provide vertical or lateral support for buildings, or adversely impact the safety or stability of private or public properties.
• Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stockpiling rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay controlled by other regulations, provided such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses in, soil on adjoining properties.
• Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered design professional.
• An excavation which is less than two feet in depth, or does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in height and steeper than a 50% slope. This exception shall not apply to cut which exceeds 50 cubic yards or which changes the existing drainage pattern.
• A fill less than one foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 10%. This exception shall not apply when the fill exceeds 50 cubic yards or when the fill changes the existing drainage pattern.
• Excavation for caissons or piles under buildings or structures, swimming pools, or underground structures that are authorized by valid building permits.

A permit is valid for two years from the date issued, provided that any permit shall expire after 180 days from the the date of issuance if the work has not commenced, or when the City’s Building Official determines the work authorized by any permit has been suspended, discontinued or abandoned for a continuous period of 180 days.