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Community Development Department

Grading

A permit is required for grading, including:

  • Agricultural leveling
  • Grading related to development projects
  • Similar work

You must apply online through San Joaquin County’s Online Permitting System. First time users will need a valid email address to set up an account. It takes about 5 minutes to create a new account.

Step 1: REGISTER AS A USER

For first time users, as noted above, you will need to register for a new account with our Online Permitting System. If you have an account, please continue with Step 2 below.

To create an account, click on "Apply Online" below to be routed to the Online Permitting System login page. Click on "CREATE AN ACCOUNT" in the lower right corner, and register with your email address.

You will be asked to provide the following information to open an account.

  1. Choose a username and password
  2. Personal and Contact Information
  3. License Numbers if you are registering as a licensed professional

After you register, you'll receive a confirmation email.

Once you confirm your account, you're ready to apply.

Step 2: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE TIME TO APPLY

Building Permit applications take about 20 minutes to complete. If you are unable to complete the application you can save your progress and return at a later time, however, the application will not be reviewed until it is submitted.

Step 3: SUBMIT APPLICATION

The following items are required to submit an application: 

  1. A complete set of legible plans, including:
  • Site plan prepared by a licensed California architect or engineer drawn to scale showing the location of the site, property lines, north arrow, easements, and all existing and proposed development
  • A plan showing the relative contours of the existing ground and details of terrain and area drainage
  • A plan showing the elevations, dimensions, location, extent, and slopes of proposed grading using contours and other suitable means. USGS datum if the project is within the 100-year flood area
  • A detailed plan showing all surface and subsurface drainage systems and drainage calculations
  • A statement containing:
    • The cubic yard quantity of cut and fill
    • Compliance with the current California Building Code Appendix J
  • A soils report, if required by the Building Official

Step 4: INTAKE

Building staff may contact you for more information, and for payment of the permit fee. You will be contacted through the Online Permitting System, and receive emails when you have new correspondence regarding application submittal. We encourage you to collaborate with staff through the Online Permitting System, and via email.

Step 5: NEXT STEPS

  1. Staff will contact you by email to complete the intake process.
  2. When your application is accepted, you will be notified to pay fees online.
  3. Upon approval, staff will contact you for applicable permit issuance steps.
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Documents

Site Plan Checklist