Agricultural Grading

What is the process?

Step 1: Verify Grading Qualifies for Ag Grading

Your proposed grading would have to fall under one of the following to qualify for agricultural grading:

  1. New crop production and grazing. Grading to prepare new land for crop production or grazing purposes, including drainage improvements and vegetation removal, on slopes with a natural gradient less than thirty percent. Importation and exportation of commercial soil amendments as specified in Subsection B.11.c is permissible under this exemption.
  2. Small reservoir. A reservoir constructed to regulate or store a supply of water for frost protection, seasonal irrigation, or livestock purposes. Ponds, reservoirs, and dams are subject to the standards in Section 22.52.150F. To qualify for exemption as a small reservoir the following criteria must be met:
    1. The reservoir shall be designed to contain no more than one acre-foot of water.
    2. All water storage shall be located entirely below natural grade.
    3. The reservoir shall not be located on a stream, lake, or marsh, as identified on any U.S. Geological Survey map.
      • Storage reservoirs that do not meet the criteria under this standard may qualify for alternative review.
  3. Upland restoration measures. Projects which are undertaken for soil, water quality, habitat, or wildlife restoration, conservation, or enhancement occurring outside of the channel of a stream.
  4. Imbalanced grading. Grading projects intended to accommodate one or more of the projects identified in Subsections B and C, and involving importation or exportation of no more than 2,000 cubic yards on a site per year.

Step 2: Complete an Application Package

  1. Complete an Agricultural Grading Form.
  2. Site Plan - must be drawn to scale and include:
    • Property boundaries,
    • North arrow,
    • Labels,
    • Roads, and
    • The location of the proposed agricultural grading.

Step 3: Apply Online

Please apply for an agricultural grading permit exemption through the online service PermitSLO.

  1. Click the PermitSLO link here: Agricultural Grading Permit Exemption
  2. Click Apply
  3. Follow step-by-step instructions.

Planning staff will look over the application submittal package and contact the primary contact with any questions. 

Step 4: Pay Invoice

Planning staff will email the billing contact an invoice. Pay invoice here*.

Once the invoice is paid, the project review timeline will begin.

Please note for all Planning and Building applications, after 15 days of non-payment of invoice, the application will be voided and resubmittal will be required.

Step 5: Review by Planning Staff

Planning staff reviews the completed Agricultural Grading Form and Site Plan for consistency with the agricultural grading standards listed on the application. You may proceed with work once the Department of Planning & Building has approved the agricultural grading.

Step 6: Reach Decision

Planning staff will contact the applicant letting them know that their agricultural grading has been filed.

Who can use this service?

Anyone can use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

PermitSLO Portal

 

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