Chapter 16.20 GRADING REGULATIONS (Effective Outside Coastal Zone)

The purpose of this chapter is to safeguard health, safety, and the public welfare; to minimize erosion and the extent of grading; to protect fish and wildlife; to protect the watersheds; to ensure the natural appearance of grading projects; and to otherwise protect the natural environment of Santa Cruz County. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.020 Scope.

This chapter sets forth rules and regulations to control all grading, including excavations, earthwork, road construction, dredging, diking, fills and embankments; establishes the administrative procedure for issuance of grading permits; and provides for approval of plans and inspections. This chapter shall apply to both private and public activities including those of the County and other such governmental agencies as are not exempted by State or Federal law. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4166 § 1, 1991; Ord. 4027 § 3, 1989; Ord. 3599 § 1, 1984; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.025 Amendment.

Any revision to this chapter which applies to the Coastal Zone shall be reviewed by the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission to determine whether it constitutes an amendment to the Local Coastal Program. When an ordinance revision constitutes an amendment to the Local Coastal Program, such revision shall be processed pursuant to the hearing and notification provisions of Chapter 18.60 SCCC and shall be subject to approval by the California Coastal Commission. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982].

16.20.030 Definitions.

Words shall be as defined in the General Plan or Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan glossaries, and for the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(A) “Agricultural grading” means any grading which takes place on land designated on the County’s agricultural resource maps for exclusive agricultural use as specified in SCCC 16.50.040 and for vineyards and associated terracing; provided, however, that agricultural grading does not include any grading on such lands connected with the construction of access roads or building sites. Agricultural grading also does not include the movement of earth for purposes defined in this chapter as agricultural work and, with the exception of vineyards, does not include grading on hillsides or slopes of 20 percent or greater or grading for specialized agricultural activities as defined in this section.

(B) “Bedrock” means the in-place solid, undisturbed material either at the ground surface or beneath superficial deposits of gravel, sand or soil.

(D) “Civil engineer” means a professional engineer registered in California to practice civil engineering.

(E) “Clearing” means the removal of vegetation down to bare soil, whether by hand, machine or any other method.

(F) “Compaction” means the densification of earthen solids.

(G) “Contractor” means any person licensed in the State of California to do grading as defined by State law.

(H) “Diking” means construction of an earthen dam to control or confine water.

(I) “Drainage course” means a natural or manmade channel which conveys storm runoff either year-round or intermittently.

(J) “Dredging” means scooping or digging of earth material from the bed of a body of water.

(K) “Driveway” means any private road leading from the street to two or fewer habitable structures or parcels. (See “Roadway.”)

(L) “Earth material” means rock, natural soil, sand or combination thereof.

(M) “Emergency” means a sudden, unexpected occurrence involving a clear and present danger that demands immediate action to prevent loss of or damage to life, health, property or essential public services.

(N) “Erosion” means the wearing away of the ground surface as a result of movement of wind, water or ice.

(O) “Excavation” means the mechanical removal of earth material, or a cavity formed by cutting, digging or scooping.

(P) “Existing grade” means the grade prior to grading.

(Q) “Fill” means the deposition of earth or other material by artificial means for any purpose, for any length of time, including the stockpiling of material, or the conditions resulting therefrom.

(R) “Finish grade” means the final grade of the site which conforms to the approved plan.

(S) “Grade” means the vertical location of the ground surface, or the degree of rise or descent of a slope.

(T) “Grading” means excavating, or filling, dredging, diking, prospecting, exploratory mining operation or combination thereof.

(U) “Key” means a designed compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in undisturbed earth material or rock beneath the toe of a proposed fill slope for the purpose of developing a shearing resistance (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

(V) “Land disturbance” means clearing, excavating, grading or other manipulation of the terrain.

(W) “Littoral cell” means a continuous section of shoreline within which sand moves in a prevailing direction in response to seasonal current.

(X) “Permittee” means the property owner, or any contractor or other person undertaking grading upon the property of the property owner, pursuant to a grading permit granted according to the provisions of this chapter.

(Y) “Planning Director” means the Director of the Planning Department or their designee.

(Z) “Professional geologist” means a geologist who is licensed by the State of California to practice geology.

(AA) “Riparian corridor” means any of the following:

(1) Lands within a stream channel, including the stream and the area between the mean rainy season (bankfull) flow lines;

(2) Lands extending 50 feet (measured horizontally) out from each side of a perennial stream. Distance shall be measured from the mean rainy season (bankfull) flow line;

(3) Lands extending 30 feet (measured horizontally) out from each side of an intermittent stream. Distance shall be measured from the mean rainy season (bankfull) flow line;

(4) Lands extending 100 feet (measured horizontally) from the high water mark of a lake, wetland, estuary, lagoon or natural body of standing water;

(5) Lands containing a riparian woodland; or

(6) Lands within an arroyo located within the urban services line, or the rural services line.

(BB) “Road gradient (percent)” means a vertical rise multiplied by 100 and divided by horizontal run.

(CC) “Road” or “roadway” means an open way for vehicular traffic serving more than two habitable structures or parcels. (See “Driveway.”)

(DD) “Security” means a cash deposit, time certificate of deposit or equivalent security acceptable to the County.

(EE) “Site” means a parcel of land or contiguous combination thereof, where grading is performed or proposed.

(FF) “Slope” means an inclined ground surface the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance. (See Table A and Figure 2.)

Table A
	Percent	Degrees
1:1 =	100% =	45
2:1 =	50% =	22
3:1 =	33% =	15
4:1 =	25% =	11
5:1 =	20% =	9

Figure 2

(GG) “Soil” means naturally occurring superficial deposits of earth material overlying bedrock.

(HH) “Soil engineer” or “geotechnical engineer” means a professional civil engineer, licensed in the State of California, experienced and knowledgeable in the practice of soil and foundation engineering.

(II) “Specialized agricultural activities” means any agricultural activities involving greenhouses, growing in indoor structures, aquaculture and cannabis activities.

(JJ) “Stream” means any watercourse as designated by a solid line or dash and three dots symbol shown on the largest scale of the United States Geological Survey map most recently published, or as indicated in the grading permit when it has been field determined that a watercourse either:

(1) Supports fish at any time of the year;

(2) Has a significant water flow 30 days after the last significant storm; or

(3) Has a channel, free of soil and debris.

(KK) “Terrace” means a relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope for drainage and maintenance purposes.

(LL) “Waterbreak” means a ditch, dike, dip or combination thereof, constructed to effectively divert water as an aid to erosion control.

(MM) “Winter season” means October 15th through April 15th. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4346 § 67, 1994; Ord. 3599 § 2, 1984; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2972, 1980; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.040 Approval required.

Except as exempted by SCCC 16.20.050, no person shall do, cause, permit, aid, abet, suffer or furnish equipment or labor for any grading until a grading permit has been obtained for the project. A separate grading permit shall be required for each site and shall be obtained as follows:

(A) Planning Commission. All applications for grading permits involving in excess of 8,000 cubic yards, or for grading in excess of 1,000 cubic yards on a site which is visible from a scenic corridor roadway designated in the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, shall be processed according to Chapter 18.10 SCCC, Level VI, as a discretionary permit application that is the subject of a noticed public hearing and acted upon by the Planning Commission.

(B) Planning Director. Applications for grading permits involving any amount of grading on greater than 50 percent slopes, or grading between 1,000 and 8,000 cubic yards of earth material on a site and which is not located in a designated scenic area or visible from a scenic road shall be processed according to Chapter 18.10 SCCC, Level III. Concurrent approvals shall be processed according to SCCC 18.10.123.

(C) Subdivisions. The Director of the Department of Public Works is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this chapter for grading done within parcel map subdivisions for which improvement plans have been signed by the Public Works Director or within subdivisions for which a final map has been recorded or for property on which a tentative subdivision map has been approved and grading is permitted prior to recording of a final map. Grading permits are not issued by the Planning Director for subdivision work administered by the Public Works Director.

(D) Ministerial Permits. Applications for grading permits involving less than 1,000 cubic yards of earth material on less than 50 percent slopes or grading that is part of a consolidated coastal development permit process shall be processed as ministerial building permits and comply with standards of applicable County codes and recommendations of a soils or geotechnical report in order to be approved and issued. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3636 § 1, 1985; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.050 Exemptions.

The following work is exempt from the provisions of this chapter; however, it remains subject to the coastal zone regulations (Chapter 13.20 SCCC) and requirements for coastal development permits, riparian corridor protection (Chapter 16.30 SCCC), environmental review (Chapter 16.01 SCCC), erosion control (Chapter 16.22 SCCC), geological hazards (Chapter 16.10 SCCC), sensitive habitat protection (Chapter 16.32 SCCC), and Native American cultural sites (Chapter 16.40 SCCC). The following work may also be subject to other requirements imposed in County and State law:

(A) Excavations. An excavation which does not exceed 100 cubic yards, and which does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in depth.

(B) Fills. A fill containing earth material only which is less than two feet in depth, is placed on natural terrain which has a slope flatter than five horizontal to one vertical, does not exceed 100 cubic yards on any one site, does not alter or obstruct a drainage course, and will not be used for structural support.

(C) Basements, Footings. An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall or other structure authorized by a valid building permit. This shall not exempt any fill as provided under subsection (B) of this section made with the material from such excavation, nor exempt any excavation having an unsupported height greater than five feet after the completion of such structure.

(D) Cemeteries. Cemetery graves.

(E) Refuse Disposal. Refuse disposal sites which are permitted and actively being controlled pursuant to other County regulations, and excavations for individual and community sewage disposal systems, made pursuant to permit.

(F) Wells and Utilities. Excavations for wells or utilities.

(G) Mining and Quarrying. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing, stockpiling of rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay materials, pursuant to a County permit.

(H) Soil Testing. Exploratory excavations under the direction of a soils engineer or professional geologist where such excavation is to be returned to the original condition under the direction of such engineer or geologist within 45 days after the start of work.

(I) Agricultural Work. Routine plowing, harrowing, disking, ridging, listing, land planing, and similar operations necessary to prepare a field or growing area on land with less than 20 percent slopes, for a crop for continued agricultural use, and not including grading for specialized agricultural activities as defined in this chapter. (All other nonexempt agricultural grading shall require either an agricultural grading permit or a regular grading permit in compliance with this chapter).

(J) Timber Harvesting. Work done pursuant to a valid timber harvesting permit.

(K) County Public Works. Routine maintenance and other work undertaken by the County Department of Public Works that does not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, mapped and officially adopted pursuant to law by Federal or State agencies, or by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, or where identified through field or technical investigation. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4496-C § 83, 1998; Ord. 3599 § 3, 1984; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.055 Special exemption for prevention or mitigation of Pajaro River/Salsipuedes Creek flooding.

(A) In areas outside of the Coastal Zone, the operation, repair and maintenance of the Pajaro River and Salsipuedes Creek levees and the areas within the levees, for the purpose of restoring flood conveyance capacity, including bench excavation, sediment removal, and similar projects shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The work is conducted by or under the direction of the Department of Public Works;

(2) The work is in accordance with a streambed alteration agreement approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to the extent that such an agreement is required; and

(3) The project has been subjected to environmental review with the County of Santa Cruz serving as the lead agency. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4790 § 1, 2005; Ord. 4374 § 1, 1995].

16.20.060 Application.

Applications for grading permits shall be made in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.10 SCCC and shall include the following:

(A) General. An application for a grading permit shall be submitted by the owner(s) of the property or agent when authorized in writing. The application shall be signed by the owner(s) of each site or their designated representative, as defined under SCCC 16.20.030. A civil engineer or other licensed professional authorized by State law shall prepare and sign the plans and specifications if grading will be in excess of 2,000 cubic yards. Special design requirements for dredging and diking shall be determined by the Planning Director.

(B) The application shall be accompanied by all fees required by SCCC 16.20.120.

(C) Plans and Specifications. Two sets of plans shall be submitted with the application. Plans shall be drawn to scale upon substantial material, minimum size 18 inches by 24 inches, and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and the extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this chapter and all relevant laws and regulations. The plans shall include but not be limited to the following information, in writing and/or diagrams as required by the Planning Director:

(1) A statement as to the specific intentions or ultimate purpose for which the grading is being done.

(2) General location of the proposed site.

(3) Property lines and contours of the existing ground and details of terrain and area drainage, and delineation of hillsides or slope areas of 20 percent or more.

(4) Limiting dimensions, elevations or finish contours to be achieved by the grading, and proposed drainage channels and related construction.

(5) Detailed plans of all surface and subsurface drainage devices, walls, cribbing, dams and other protective devices to be constructed with, or as a part of, the proposed work, together with a map showing the drainage area and the estimated runoff of the area served by any drains. The location of any ravines and drainage courses and the pathway of offsite drainage shall be indicated.

(6) Location of buildings or structures on the property where the work is to be performed and the approximate location of buildings or structures on adjacent land owned by other owners which is within 15 feet of the property line or which may be affected by the proposed operations.

(7) A statement of the quantity of excavation and fill.

(8) Specifications, if required, shall contain information covering construction and material requirements.

(9) A stormwater pollution control plan and erosion prevention measures for all surfaces exposed or expected to be exposed during grading activities, in accordance with the requirements of the erosion control ordinance (Chapter 16.22 SCCC) and runoff and pollution control ordinance (Chapter 7.79 SCCC) shall accompany every proposed grading plan; including information about whether a land clearing permit or a winter grading operations permit is also being requested for the grading activity pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 16.22 SCCC.

(10) Revegetation proposal for all surfaces exposed or expected to be exposed during grading activities.

(11) Name and address of the owner(s).

(12) Assessor’s parcel number(s) of the property on which the work is to be done.

(13) Location of on-site trees.

(14) When required by the Planning Director, each application for a grading permit shall be accompanied by supporting data consisting of a soil engineering report and/or engineering geology report. The soil engineering report shall include data regarding the nature, distribution and strength of existing soils; conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures; design criteria for corrective measures when necessary; and opinions and recommendations covering adequacy of sites to be developed by the proposed grading. The engineering geology report shall include an adequate description of the geology of the site, conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development, and opinions and recommendations covering the adequacy of sites to be developed by the proposed grading. Recommendations included in the reports and accepted by the Planning Director shall be incorporated in the grading plans and specifications.

(15) When required by the Planning Director because it appears that the location of the property line may be in question in connection with the proposed grading, a parcel survey or other boundary evidence deemed necessary by the Planning Director shall be provided.

(D) Starting and Completion Dates. Each application for a grading permit shall state estimated starting and completion dates and whether phasing of activity is anticipated. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3599 § 4, 1984; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.070 Exceptions.

(A) A request for an exception from the provisions of this chapter, the approval conditions, or the plan specifications, may be approved, conditionally approved, or denied according to Chapter 18.10 SCCC at the level specified in SCCC 16.20.040(A) and (B). A request for an exception must state in writing the provision from which it is to be varied, the proposed substitute provision, when it would apply and its advantages. The following findings shall be required for approval of an exception:

(1) That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting the property; and

(2) That the exception is necessary for the proper design and/or function of the project.

(B) No exception shall be granted unless the project, with such exception, is consistent with the purpose of this chapter.

(C) As contemplated in this section, an exception shall be granted for alternative methods of construction for projects which could be constructed under the basic standards established in this chapter, but which, if an exception is granted, can be better and/or more economically designed and constructed than if an exception were not given. An exception shall not be granted if the result of an exception would have the effect of allowing the construction of a project which would otherwise, without the exception, not be possible under the provisions of the County Code.

(D) Fees for exceptions shall be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.080 Approval limitations and conditions.

(A) Issuance. The issuance of a grading permit shall constitute an authorization to do only that work which is described or illustrated on the application for the permit or on the approved plans and specifications.

(B) Plan Checking. The application, plans, and specifications filed by an applicant for a grading permit shall be checked by the Planning Director within 30 days after receipt of all information required for submittal of the application. The Planning Director shall notify the applicant in writing within 30 days of the time the application is filed, of any deficiencies that must be corrected in order to allow for approval of the grading permit. The Planning Director shall approve an application for a grading permit if the plans filed therewith conform to the requirements of this chapter, zoning ordinances, any use permit and/or design review conditions and other applicable laws. The Planning Commission shall take its action after carrying out a noticed public hearing on the application and shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application, based upon whether or not the proposal is consistent with the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and applicable provisions of the County Code including but not limited to permit approval findings within Chapter 18.10 SCCC.

(1) An application for a grading, dredging or diking permit shall be denied if the Planning Director or Planning Commission makes any of the following findings:

(a) That the design of the proposed site is not consistent with the applicable general and specific plans adopted pursuant to Chapters 18.50 and 13.02 SCCC;

(b) That the proposed grading plan for the development contemplated does not comply with the requirements of the Santa Cruz County Code;

(c) If the project is for the creation of a building site, that adequate sewage facilities and water supplies cannot be provided;

(d) If the project as proposed will cause excessive and unnecessary disturbance of the site particularly as defined in the geologic hazard assessment or other geotechnical or geology report prepared for the application, or as addressed by the slope stability provisions of SCCC 16.10.070(F); or

(e) If the project is for the purpose of a new, extended or widened road providing access to enable a specialized agricultural activity or to an agricultural growing area on slopes of 20 percent or more, and the road work will involve a degree or nature of grading that involves significant grading which may not be wholly consistent with existing natural topography or grades of the subject area, and which does not provide offsetting public safety, neighborhood or community benefits to a degree that provides reason to support the proposed degree or nature of grading, as specified in findings for approval of the grading permit.

(2) An application for a grading permit shall be denied if the work proposed would be hazardous by reason of flood, geological hazard, or unstable soils; be liable to endanger other properties or result in the deposition of debris on any public way, property, or drainage course, or otherwise create a hazard.

(3) An application for a grading permit which would create unavoidable adverse environmental impact shall be denied.

(4) An application for grading in a riparian corridor shall be denied if it is not in conformance with other chapters of the County Code which regulate development activity in riparian corridors.

(5) An application for a grading permit to place fill within a flood hazard area shall be denied, unless the fill is in conformation with the floodplain management regulations (Chapter 16.13 SCCC).

(6) The Planning Director shall notify the applicant in writing of a denial or conditional denial and shall state the reasons therefor.

(D) Restriction on Certain Grading Permits. If the project is for the creation of, or access to, a building site, land disturbance shall not take place until a building permit has been issued. If a grading permit cannot be issued until a determination of adequate water source and sewage disposal or other required site investigation is made, land disturbance shall be limited to the extent necessary to allow such an investigation. This provision shall not apply to improvements or road construction required as a condition of approval of a minor land division or other permit.

(E) Conditions of Approval. In acting to approve any grading permit under this chapter, the Planning Director or Planning Commission shall attach such conditions as necessary to prevent creation of a nuisance or hazard to public or private property. Such conditions may include, but shall not be limited to:

(1) Improvement of any existing grading project to bring it up to the standards of this chapter.

(2) Requirements for fencing of excavations or fills which would otherwise be hazardous.

(3) Haul routes for materials.

(4) Conditions recommended by the Environmental Coordinator.

(5) Conditions recommended by a geological hazard review.

(6) Check dams, cribbing, riprap or other devices which may be required to prevent erosion; and a requirement that a winter operations erosion control permit be obtained if grading will occur between October 15th and April 15th, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 16.22 SCCC.

(7) Mulching, fertilizing, watering or other methods may be required to establish new vegetation. On slopes less than 20 percent, stockpiling and reapplication of topsoil shall be required, unless it can be shown that adequate erosion control measures, as per the erosion control ordinance (Chapter 16.22 SCCC), can be implemented.

(8) Dust from grading operations shall be controlled.

(9) No earth or organic material shall be deposited or placed where it may be deposited into a stream, marsh, slough, lagoon or body of standing water in a quantity deleterious to wildlife, aquatic life, or other beneficial uses of the water.

(10) Requirement that a land clearing permit be approved either in conjunction with the subject grading permit, or prior to grading operations involving land clearing taking place, if land clearing is subject to the requirements of Chapter 16.22 SCCC.

(F) Approved Grading Plans. When the Planning Director issues the grading permit that has been approved by the Director or the Planning Commission, all of the plans and specifications shall be endorsed “approved.” Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified, or altered without written authorization by the Planning Director, and all work shall be done in accordance with the approved plans and this chapter.

(G) Amendment. Amendments to grading permits granted pursuant to this chapter whether for minor or major change of project, conditions, or expiration date or other time limits, shall be processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 18.10 SCCC, as a minor administrative permit (Level III) for minor changes of project, changes of conditions for administratively issued grading permits, and extensions of time limits for any grading permit; and as a major amendment (Level VI) for major changes of project and changes of conditions of approval for grading permits approved by the Planning Commission.

(H) Retention of Plans. One set of plans and specifications shall be retained by the Planning Director for a period of not less than two years from the date of completion of work covered therein. Plans which have been submitted for checking and for which no grading permit is issued may be considered abandoned and destroyed if not picked up by the applicant within 180 days of issuance of the latest staff review comments.

(I) Posting of Permit. At the time a grading permit is issued which has been the subject of a Planning Commission public hearing, the County shall also publish a copy of the permit and diagrams of the permitted grading on the Planning Department website, and retain it on the website until the activity is final, so that members of the public may assess information about the approved grading activity. All other grading permits shall retain the job copy of the approved grading plans on site.

(J) Work Time Limits. The permittee shall fully perform and complete all of the work required to be done within the time limit specified. If no time limit is specified, the permittee shall complete all of the work or the first phase of work within one year after the date of the issuance of the grading permit, and the remaining phase(s) of the work within the following year or in accordance with the timeline for a development permit that is associated with the project.

If the permittee is unable to complete the work within the specified time, they shall, prior to the expiration of the permit, present in writing a request for an extension of time, setting forth the reasons for the requested extension. If, in the opinion of the Planning Director, an extension is warranted, additional time may be granted for the completion of the work.

(K) Working Hours. Hours of grading operation shall be between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. No grading shall be permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, unless specifically authorized in advance and in writing by the Planning Director or Building Official.

(L) Expiration. Unless otherwise specified, grading permit approvals issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire one year from the date of issuance if not exercised. Where grading permits are issued in conjunction with a development permit granted pursuant to Chapter 18.10 SCCC the grading permit approval shall expire in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 18.10 SCCC.

(M) Safety Precautions. The permittee shall take all appropriate and necessary precautions to protect adjacent public and private property from damage that may result from the operations.

(N) Property Lines. Whenever the location of a property line is in question as the result of or during operations, the Planning Director may require any boundary evidence which the Planning Director deems necessary. The Planning Director may require the applicant to furnish a parcel survey.

(O) Inclement Weather and Winter Grading. The Planning Director shall stop grading during periods of inclement weather when weather-generated problems are not being controlled adequately. No grading shall occur during the winter season (October 15th through April 15th), unless a winter operations erosion control permit has been approved and issued.

(P) Validity. The issuance or granting of approval of a grading permit and its plans and specifications shall not be construed to be approval of any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of any other law. The issuance of a grading permit based on plans and specifications shall not prevent the Planning Director from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in plans and specifications or from preventing operations from being carried on when in violation of this chapter or of any other law.

(Q) Suspension or Revocation of Grading Permit Approval. The Planning Director may, in writing, suspend or revoke a grading permit approval issued under the provisions of this chapter whenever the grading permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any law or regulation or any of the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3599 § 5, 1984; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.090 Environmental review.

Applications for grading permits shall be subject to environmental review consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the most current version of the CEQA Guidelines. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.100 Hazardous conditions.

Whenever the Planning Director determines that an excavation, embankment, or fill has become a hazard to life and limb, endangers property, or adversely affects the safety, use, or stability of a public way or drainage channel, the owner(s) of the property or other person or agent in control of the property on which the hazard exists shall be notified. On receipt of the notice, the owner(s) shall within the period specified eliminate the hazard and bring the property into conformance with the requirements of this chapter. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.110 Diking, dredging and filling.

(A) A grading permit is required for diking, dredging, and filling of open coastal waters above the ordinary high water line, wetlands, lagoons, estuaries and lakes. A grading permit shall be issued only for the following purpose and only where there is no other feasible, less environmentally damaging alternative:

(1) Restoration purposes, including the protection and enhancement of existing harbors.

(2) Nature study, aquaculture, or similar resource-dependent activities.

(B) Diking, filling, and dredging in existing estuaries and wetlands is permitted only if it is determined that such activities will maintain or enhance the functional capacity of the wetland or estuary, as determined by the Planning Director.

(C) The dredged material shall be redistributed into the same littoral cell from which it was taken. The deposition of such dredged materials must be timed and located so as not to interfere with shoreline processes, longshore current systems, and public use. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.115 Shoreline and coastal bluff protection structures.

A grading permit approval shall be required for all shoreline and coastal bluff protection structures which involve the placement of rocks, blocks, or fill material in the coastal hazard zone, including the placement of less than 100 cubic yards of material and maintenance and repair activities, even if the activities are being carried out in conformance with an approved monitoring, maintenance and repair program and do not require a coastal development permit. The design of the proposed structure shall conform to the County’s geologic hazard ordinance, Chapter 16.10 SCCC, as determined by the Planning Director. Information including, but not limited to, geologic reports, engineered plans, beach sand profiles and structural profiles shall be required as deemed necessary by the Planning Director, County Geologist, or designees. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982].

16.20.116 Emergency permit approvals.

(A) Emergency grading permit approvals may be granted at the discretion of the Planning Director when a sudden, unexpected occurrence involving a clear and present danger demands immediate action to prevent loss of or damage to life, health, property or essential public services. The emergency grading permit shall conform to the objectives of this chapter and the geologic hazards ordinance, Chapter 16.10 SCCC; compliance with requirements of coastal zone regulations (Chapter 13.20 SCCC) shall also be required, if applicable.

(B) Applications for an emergency grading permit shall include the following:

(1) Letter from the project civil and/or geotechnical engineer describing the nature of and recommended measures necessary to address the emergency situation, along with monitoring and testing requirements to be fulfilled by the engineering professional or their designee during construction; and

(2) Approximate construction schedule and phasing, along with corresponding best management practices to prevent erosion and sediment from leaving the construction site.

(C) The emergency work authorized under the emergency permit approval shall be limited to necessary activities to protect the endangered structure or essential public structure. The emergency grading permit shall be voided if the permit is not exercised within 15 days of issuance. The emergency grading permit expires 30 days after commencement of work. Any work completed outside of these time periods requires a regular grading permit approval unless an extension is granted by the Planning Director.

(D) At the time of application for an emergency grading permit approval or within 60 days of issuance of the emergency grading permit the applicant shall submit a completed application and the appropriate fees for a regular grading permit.

(E) Within 90 days of the issuance of an emergency grading permit, the owner of the property shall submit an as-built plan showing completed emergency grading, along with all construction monitoring and testing reports from the responsible engineer, and all required technical reports and final project plans, unless a time extension is granted by the Planning Director. If the information described above is not submitted within the specified time, the emergency grading permit shall be voided and the emergency work shall be considered a violation of this chapter.

(F) If the emergency work is required during nonbusiness hours, the property owner shall submit an emergency grading permit application on the following business day. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3599 § 6, 1984; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982].

16.20.120 Fees.

Fees for processing grading permit applications and requests for exceptions shall be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

(A) Grading Permit Application Fees—Subdivision. No plan-checking or grading permit application fees shall be charged for a grading permit for property for which a final subdivision map has been recorded (or a tentative subdivision map has been approved subject to a specific condition that grading will be permitted prior to recording of the final map); provided, that all of the contemplated grading is shown on approved improvement plans pursuant to Chapter 14.01 SCCC. Costs for plan checking and construction inspection for compliance with this chapter shall be determined in the same manner as fees set forth in SCCC 14.01.506. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.130 Securities.

Approvals of grading permits shall not be valid, and work shall not be started until the required securities have been provided as determined by the Planning Director. Securities shall remain in effect one winter after final inspection and approval of completed work. All expenditures by the County for corrective work necessary because of the permittee’s failure to comply with the provisions of the grading permit and this chapter shall be charged against the security.

(A) If grading is in excess of 2,000 cubic yards the permittee shall provide a cash deposit, time certificate of deposit, or equivalent security, acceptable to the County, payable to the County to ensure compliance with the provisions of the grading permit approval and this chapter.

(B) If deemed necessary by the Planning Director, a similar security, acceptable to the County, may be required for grading operations of less than 2,000 cubic yards.

(C) The amount of security for grading shall be based on the number of cubic yards of material of either excavation or fill, whichever is larger, plus the cost of drainage or other protective devices. The minimum amount required shall be computed as indicated in the following schedule:

(1) Two thousand to 10,000 cubic yards: $1.00 per cubic yard, plus the cost of drainage or other protective devices.

(2) Ten thousand one cubic yards or more: $5,000 plus $0.50 per cubic yard for each additional cubic yard in excess of 10,000, plus the cost of drainage or other protective devices.

(D) No separate grading security except for security required for winter grading operations shall be required for work on which a final subdivision map has been recorded (or a tentative subdivision map has been approved subject to a specific condition that grading will be permitted prior to recording of the final map); provided, that all of the contemplated grading is shown on approved improvement plans pursuant to Chapter 14.01 SCCC and the amount of the subdivision improvement, performance, labor and material securities is sufficient to cover all grading.

(E) A separate security for any grading operations authorized during the winter, between October 15th and April 15th, may be required if deemed necessary by the Planning Director. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3599 § 7, 1984; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.140 Design standards for excavations.

(A) Slope. Cut slopes shall be no steeper than one and one-half horizontal to one vertical. Steeper slopes may be allowed if the Planning Director determines they will be stable or if a civil engineer or professional geologist provides a written statement that the site has been investigated and that in the engineer’s opinion the proposed deviation will be and remain structurally stable. The tops of cut slopes shall be rounded off so as to blend in with the natural terrain. (See Figure 3.)

(B) Drainage and Terraces. Drainage and terraces shall be provided as required by SCCC 16.20.170.

(C) Vegetation Removal. No vegetation removal or grading pursuant to a permit will be allowed which will result in erosion. Vegetation removal shall conform to SCCC 16.22.080. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.150 Design standards for fills.

(A) General. Unless otherwise recommended in the soil engineering report approved by the Planning Director, fills shall conform to the provisions of this section.

(B) Fill Location. Fills shall not be constructed on natural slopes steeper than two to one unless a civil engineer devises a method of placement which will ensure the fill will remain in place. The toe of a fill shall be no closer than 12 feet horizontally to the top of existing or planned cut slopes (See Figure 3).

Figure 3

(C) Preparation of Ground for Fill. The ground surface shall be prepared to receive fill by the removal of topsoil and other unsuitable materials and by keying into sound bedrock or other suitable material.

(D) Material Permitted. Earth material free from tree stumps, organic matter, trash, sod, peat and similar material shall be used in fills. Rock, cobbles, and similar material shall be distributed and not nested or piled together, and pieces larger than 12 inches in greatest dimension shall not be used unless a method of placement is approved by the Planning Director. Organic material may be used in the top 12-inch layer of fills to aid plant growth.

(E) Fill Slopes. No fill shall be made which creates an exposed surface steeper in slope than two horizontal to one vertical. The Planning Director may allow a steeper slope or require a flatter slope if found to be consistent with stability and safety.

(F) Compaction of Fills. All fills shall be compacted to a minimum of 90 percent of relative maximum density as determined by ASTM D-1557 or equivalent as required by the current edition of the California Building Code. Compaction tests may be required.

(G) Drainage and Terraces. Drainage facilities and terraces shall be provided as required by SCCC 16.20.170. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.160 Cut and fill slope setback.

Unless otherwise recommended in the approved engineering report and shown on the approved grading plans, the tops and toes of cut and fill slopes shall be set back from property boundaries and structures, as per Table C and the riparian corridor protection ordinance (Chapter 16.30 SCCC).

Table C
H	a	b	c	d
0—10 feet	3 feet	2 feet	5 feet	5 feet
11—30 feet	(H/2) feet	3 feet	(H/2) feet	7 feet
31 feet and over	15 feet	3 feet	15 feet	10 feet

[Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982].

16.20.170 Design standards for drainage facilities and terraces.

(A) General. Drainage facilities and terraces shall conform to the provisions of this section unless otherwise indicated on the approved grading permit and grading plan.

(B) Drainage Facilities.

(1) Existing drainage courses shall not be obstructed and alterations to them must conform to the provisions of this section.

(2) Drainage facilities shall be provided to carry surface and subsurface waters to the nearest drainage course designated for such purpose by the Planning Director or on-site dry wells. Discharge of waters onto natural ground may be allowed only if a suitable means is provided for reducing the velocity of flow to prevent erosion.

(3) Culvert sizes shall be in accordance with “County Design Criteria, Part 2, Storm Drainage.” Minimum diameter shall be 12 inches. Culvert material shall be clay, cast iron, cast-in-place or precast concrete, corrugated steel, aluminum, asbestos-cement or other materials approved by the Planning Director.

(4) Cuts, fills, and retaining walls shall have subsurface drainage facilities if necessary for stability.

(5) Gutters, berms and/or culverts may be required for roads and driveways to control water runoff.

(6) Berms, ditches, or swales shall be constructed at the top of cut and fill slopes for protection against water runoff.

(C) Terraces. Terraces shall be required on cut and fill slopes at not more than 30-foot vertical intervals to control surface water and debris. (See figure in Table C.)

(1) Terraces shall be at least six feet wide.

(2) All swales or ditches on drainage terraces shall be graded to provide suitable drainage and designed to prevent erosion.

(3) Swales or ditches which collect water from a tributary area exceeding one-third of an acre (measured horizontally) shall have down drains. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.180 Design standards for private roads and driveways.

All private road and driveway construction requiring a grading approval shall conform to the provisions of this section. Require all new structures, including additions and accessory dwelling units of more than 500 new square feet (not including conversion ADUs), added to single-family dwellings on existing parcels of record, to provide and maintain an adequate driveway or road for fire protection in conformance with the adopted standards of State law, County Fire Code, and local fire district ordinances.

Diagrammatic representations of access standards are available at the Santa Cruz County Planning Department and local fire agencies. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4678 § 1, 2002; Ord. 4578 § 5, 1999; Ord. 3599 § 8, 1984; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.185 Exceptions to standards for private roads and driveways.

Exceptions to these standards and requirements that apply to all new structures (except conversion accessory dwelling units or ADUs 500 square feet or less), including additions or ADUs of more than 500 new square feet to single-family dwellings on existing parcels of record, may be granted at the discretion of the Fire Code Official for single-family dwellings on existing parcels of record as follows:

(A) When the existing access road is acceptable to the fire department having jurisdiction.

(B) In addition, any of the following mitigation methods may be required prior to issuance of a building permit and/or as a condition of discretionary development approval:

(1) Participation in an existing or formation of a new road maintenance group or association.

(2) Completion of certain road improvements such as fill potholes, resurface access road, provide turnouts, cut back brush, etc., are made, as determined by the fire officials; and provided, that the Fire Department determines that adequate fire protection can still be provided.

(3) Provision of approved fire protection systems as determined by the Fire Code Official.

(C) The level of road improvement required shall bear a reasonable relationship to the magnitude of development proposed. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020].

16.20.195 Agricultural grading.

(A) General. All permits for agricultural grading shall be issued by the Planning Director. Work remains subject to the Coastal Zone regulations of Chapter 13.20 SCCC, requirements of Title 16, Environmental and Resource Protection, and other applicable provisions of local or State regulations. Applications for grading permits for special agricultural activities as defined by this chapter shall not be processed under this agricultural grading permit section and shall comply with standard grading permit application requirements. Applicants for an agricultural grading permit shall submit a plan to the Planning Director, including the following:

(1) Existing and proposed drainage pattern.

(2) Estimate of earth to be moved.

(3) Property map with graded area shown.

(4) Erosion control measures to be taken on disturbed noncrop areas, including long-term maintenance.

(5) Cross-sections of the proposed grading project. Applications for grading permits for access roads and for building sites shall not be processed under this section.

(B) Water Retention. The Planning Director may require review or design by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation, the Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District, and/or a soils engineer for the following projects:

(1) On-site water and sediment retention (ponds).

(2) Grading with major erosion potential.

The conditions of the design or review shall be part of the grading permit.

(C) Special Review. The Planning Director can require review of the proposed agricultural grading by the Agricultural Policy Advisory Commission.

(D) Design Standards for Agricultural Grading. Specifications of design for agricultural grading shall be consistent with agricultural practices and needs, and shall ensure slope stability, soil conservation, and flood hazard protection. Reference to agricultural grading may be required to be recorded in the deed by the Planning Director as a condition of permit approval.

(E) Application Processing. Agricultural grading permit applications shall be processed within 30 days of receipt. Provisions should be made for emergency processing at the discretion of the Planning Director.

(F) Fees and Bonds. The fee for agricultural grading permits shall be set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. No surety bonds are required. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2972, 1980].

16.20.200 Inspection and compliance.

The Planning Director shall conduct inspections to ensure compliance with this chapter.

(A) Inspection. The following inspections shall be performed by the Planning Director or designee:

(1) Pre-Site Inspection. To determine the suitability of the proposed grading project.

(2) Grading operation progress.

(3) Final Inspection. To determine compliance with plans and specifications.

(B) Notification. The permittee shall notify the Planning Department 24 hours prior to the start of the authorized work and also 24 hours prior to any inspection requested by the permittee or permittee’s authorized agent.

(C) Right of Entry. The filing of an application for a grading permit constitutes a grant of permission for the County to enter the development area for the purpose of administering this chapter from the date of the application to the termination of the erosion control maintenance period. If necessary, the Planning Director shall be supplied with a key or lock combination or permitted to install a County lock.

(D) Final Inspection. Final inspection and approval of the grading permit, building permit, development permit or parcel approval shall not occur until the project is in compliance with all of the grading permit approval conditions and all of the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4281 § 12, 1993; Ord. 3599 § 9, 1984; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.210 Grading violations.

(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to do, cause, permit, aid, abet, suffer or furnish equipment or labor for any grading as defined in SCCC 16.20.030 unless (1) a grading permit has been obtained and is in effect which authorizes the grading, or (2) the grading is exempt from the requirement for a permit by the provisions of SCCC 16.20.050 and the provisions of Chapter 13.20 SCCC.

(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to do, cause, permit, aid, abet, suffer or furnish equipment or labor for any diking, dredging, or filling of open coastal water above the ordinary high water line, or of wetlands, lagoons, estuaries, or lakes unless a grading permit has been obtained and is in effect which authorizes such activities.

(C) It shall be unlawful for any person to do, cause, permit, aid, abet, suffer or furnish equipment or labor for any shoreline protection structures which involve the placement of rocks, blocks, or fill material in a coastal hazard zone unless a grading permit has been obtained and is in effect which authorizes such activities.

(D) It shall be unlawful for any person to exercise a grading permit or development permit which authorizes grading without complying with all of the conditions of such permit.

(E) It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse or fail to abate a hazardous condition as required by a notice of hazardous condition issued by the Planning Director under the provisions of SCCC 16.20.100.

(F) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly do, cause, permit, aid, abet or furnish equipment or labor for any work in violation of a stop work notice from and after the date it is posted on the site until the stop work notice is authorized to be removed by the Planning Director.

(G) If the Planning Director determines that any grading occurring in the County does not comply with the approved grading permit or this chapter, the Planning Director may stop all work until corrective measures have been completed. The site shall be posted with a “stop work” notice. No building, septic tank, encroachment or other permit shall be issued by the County, and the County may require that all work shall be stopped pursuant to any such permits issued, until corrections have been made to the satisfaction of the Planning Director.

(H) Whenever the Planning Director determines that grading has been done without the required grading permit, the Planning Director may refuse to issue a permit for the work already completed and require mitigating action. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3451-A § 11, 1983; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.220 Transfer of responsibility.

If the civil engineer, the soil engineer or the professional geologist of record is changed during the course of the work, the work may be stopped until a qualified licensed professional replacement has agreed to accept the responsibility within the required area of technical competence for approving the work already accomplished. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.230 Completion and approval.

If a civil engineer or another professional licensed by State law prepared the grading plans, at the completion of the project the licensed professional shall provide a written statement to the Planning Director that all grading was completed in conformance with the provisions of the permit and this chapter. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].

16.20.240 Recording notice of violation.

Repealed by Ord. 4392A. [Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982].

16.20.250 Removal of notice of violation.

Repealed by Ord. 4392A. [Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982].

16.20.260 Abatement of nuisance.

Repealed by Ord. 4392A. [Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982].

16.20.270 Penalties.

Repealed by Ord. 4392A. [Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982].

16.20.280 Appeals.

All appeals of actions taken pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be made in conformance to the applicable procedures set forth in Chapter 18.10 SCCC. [Ord. 5351 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3438 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3321 § 1, 1982; Ord. 2500, 1977].