Do I need a grading permit in Sonoma County?
You need a county grading permit before you move more than 50 cubic yards of dirt, cut or fill deeper than 3 feet, or cut a steep slope over 5 feet tall. Bigger jobs need a plan drawn by an engineer. We grade to these rules and handle the permit.
As a rule of thumb, the county looks at the volume of material moved, the height of cuts and fills, proximity to watercourses, and whether the work is in a hillside or flood zone. When in doubt, it is always cheaper to ask before you dig.
“Starting grading without a permit is a code violation, so confirm your limits before you dig.”
North Bay Grading and PavingSonoma County
When a permit is required
Sonoma County requires a grading permit once your project crosses set limits: more than 50 cubic yards of earth moved, cut or fill deeper than 3 feet, a steep cut slope over 5 feet tall, or structural fill over 1 foot. Work in a flood-hazard area also triggers it. These thresholds protect against erosion and unstable ground.
What that means for you
A bigger grading job needs a plan drawn by a licensed engineer, and the county requires a meeting before work starts. Starting without a permit is a code violation with fines. We grade to these rules, handle the permit, and confirm the current limits for your parcel with Permit Sonoma, since the thresholds can change.
- Permit at 50 cubic yards
- Or 3 feet of cut or fill
- We handle the paperwork
The bottom line: a quick check up front avoids stop-work orders and costly rework later. We are glad to walk your site and tell you what your specific project will need.
