GRADING

Grading is changing existing ground topography to safely support structures and / or different kinds of improvements such as utilities and roads.

Why do I need an approved grading plan?

To confirm that the proposed grading is in conformance with local codes and regulations before issuing the grading permit.

When is an approved grading plan required?

• Grading in an isolated, self-contained area*
• Excavation for construction of a structure
• Cemetery graves
• Refuse disposal sites*
• Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stockpiling rock, sand, gravel, aggregate, or clay*
• Excavations for soils exploration. This doesn't exempt the grading of access roads or pads created for the soils exploration*
• An excavation that is less than 50 cubic yards*
• Fill not intended to support a structure so long as it doesn't obstruct a drainage course*

How do I get my grading plan approved?

The process starts with preparing the grading plans to the satisfaction of Public Works and then submitting them with supporting documents and fees to go through the plan check review process. Once the plans and supporting documents are found satisfactory, the County issues the grading plan approval.

Where do I get my grading plan approved?

The grading plan approval process starts with Land Development Division, located on the 3rd floor of Public Works Headquarters.

GRADING PLAN APPROVAL PROCESS

Most grading operations have planning and zoning implications and, accordingly, you must obtain approval from the Department of Regional Planning for your proposed land use before you can commence grading. To learn more about the planning stage process with the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning, click here.

STEP
1

PREPARATION

STEP
2

SUBMITTAL

STEP
3

REVIEW & APPROVAL

GRADING PLAN PREPARATION

TYPICAL GRADING PLAN
Below are some tips and tools to help in preparing the grading plan.

• Please note, engineered * grading plans can only be prepared by registered civil engineers
• Front sheet information, provide the following:
  • General notes
  • Benchmark
  • Scaled drawings: use engineering scale (1"=40' or larger) and provide graphical scale
  • Sheet size: typical sizes are 24" x 36" and 36" x 48". Please note that this is ultimately for hard copies only but gives guidance in indexing the sheets for digital use as well.
  • Vicinity map: show the nearest major cross streets
  • Statements: add only the applicable statements to the plan
  • Title blocks for: civil engineer, geotechnical consultant, surveyor, owner / developer, etc.

  * Grading in excess of 5,000 cubic yards or grading that will support a structure is designated as engineered grading.

  REFERENCE MATERIALS

  Below are links to useful references if you have detailed questions regarding grading.

  • Grading Guidelines
  • Grading Code
  • Private Drive Manual
  • Low Impact Development Standards Manual
  • Community Standards Districts
  • Hillside Management Ordinance
  • Watershed Boundaries
  • Coastal Zone Boundaries
  • Flood Zones (FEMA Flood Zones / County Adopted Floodways)
  • General Notes
  • Statements
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Review Sheet
  • Grading Review Sheets

  CONTACT US

  If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our Grading Unit at (626) 458-4930, or email us at LDD-Grading@pw.lacounty.gov. To discuss your project with us, you can make an appointment for an online meeting between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, M-Th by using the following link: https://pw.lacounty.gov/landing/onlineappointments.cfm

  GRADING PLAN SUBMITTAL

  APPLICATION

  To submit your grading plan for review, fill out the application form and upload your plans online (link below).

  FEES

  You can pay the plan check review fees in person or online using e-check / credit card (for charges less than $500.00). After you have submitted your plans for review, a link will be generated and e-mailed to you where you can pay the fee online.

  For your convenience, our fee schedule and cost and bond estimating spreadsheets are available below. Please note that the plan check fee covers up to 5 reviews of the grading plan submittal. Additional fees will be required after the 5th submittal.

  • Fee schedule
  • Cost and Bond Estimate calculations
  • Grading plan
  • Plan check fee (see above)
  • Approved planning documents
  • Approved hydrology study

  CONTACT US

  If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our Grading Unit at (626) 458-4930, or email us at LDD-Grading@pw.lacounty.gov. To discuss your project with us, you can make an appointment for an online meeting between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, M-Th by using the following link: https://pw.lacounty.gov/landing/onlineappointments.cfm

  GRADING PLAN REVIEW & APPROVAL

  REVIEW PROCESS
  For each plan submittal, a check print showing plan check comments and a corrections list will be generated and sent to the applicant who submitted the plans. These documents will address deficiencies in the plan and inform you of supporting documents that are needed in order to obtain grading plan approval. The following are links to resubmit your plans and to some documents that you should find useful during the grading plan review:

  • Grading Plan Review Sheet
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Review Sheet
  • Grading Submittal Check List

  AGENCY APPROVALS

  Before your grading plan can be approved you will need to approach various jurisdictional agencies for their approval of a permit or letter stating they have no jurisdiction over your project. Below are links for some of those agencies.

  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • California Department of Fish & Wildlife
  • Regional Water Quality Control Board
    • Los Angeles
    • Lahontan
    • Waste Discharge Identification

    WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GRADING PLAN APPROVAL?
    The Grading Plan is typically the first improvement plan to get approved and the first permit to get issued. This explains why there are so many supporting documents required for it. That said, based on the scope of your project, you must continue processing improvement plans until you obtain all plan approvals and the necessary permits to finish constructing your project.

    After 2 years from the date that the grading plan is approved, the approval expires. If your grading plan expires before you pull the grading permit, you'll need to submit a new grading plan with supporting documents for review and approval. If your grading plan was approved in 2014 or after, we will have all of the supporting documents stored digitally. However, some approvals by other agencies may be expired and would need to be renewed.

    As construction progresses, site conditions may warrant design changes to the approved grading plans. It is the responsibility of the permittee to inform the Building Inspector and grading plan check engineer of these changes and provide revised grading plans for approval prior to proceeding with the changes. If you need to submit revised grading plans for review and approval, click below.

    Finally, with an approved grading plan, you're closer to recording your final map. Most, if not all, grading clearance items for the final map are usually handled during the grading plan review process. Grading final map clearance will be issued after completing all final map requirements for grading, either with or after the grading plan approval.

    CONTACT US