Grading

Read our Guide to Residential Grading to learn about grading and why it can be a concern. 

When a proposed project requiring land use or building permit approval involves 50 or more cubic yards of earth moving, the permit application must include a Grading Plan. 

"As-Built Grading" means grading performed in the field without first obtaining the necessary construction permits allowing the intended grading work.

Drainage

Learn about Drainage Regulations from the county's Land Use Ordinance, Title 22 of the County Code, and the Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance, Title 23 of the County Code. Drainage Regulations apply to land both within and outside of the Coastal Zone.

There are special requirements for drainage in Cambria, Los Osos and Nipomo:

Drainage Plan Requirements for Cambria
Drainage Plan Requirements for Los Osos
Drainage Plan Requirements for Nipomo

The Watershed Action Plan is the State Water Board's excepted Watershed Management Plan for 2,000 sq. miles of the Upper Salinas Watershed. The plan contains water management strategies and implements measures to improve water quality, erosion-sedimentation and habitat. To read more about this, visit the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District website. The links include related maps and a large document titled "Watershed Action Plan for the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Area." The document and maps are intended for the general public who are interested in economic and land use issues within the watershed.

Stormwater Information

Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution  [161 KB] - This document provides 10 "easy to do" activities around the house to reduce stormwater pollution in our local creeks and water bodies.
After the Storm  [511 KB] - This document provides information on the effects and problems associated with stormwater run-off and information on how to reduce these effects.
Low Impact Development   [471 KB] - (A Sensible Approach to Land Development and Stormwater Management) - This document provides information on alternative (non conventional) site design techniques that can be used in development projects.
How Urbanization Effects the Watercycle   [1692 KB] - This document provided information on how impervious surfaces associated with urban development can impact the water cycle.

Storm Water Requirements for Grading Permits 

The   Erosion Control Handbook [12512KB] provides guidelines for erosion reduction methods and measures. The Handbook also provides information on short and long term measures for sedimentation and erosion, guidelines for road construction and maintenance, and soil conservation measures. The handbook is intended for those who are not familiar with soil conservation and describes how what we do to the soil with agriculture and construction directly impacts our waterways.