Excavation permits around San Bernardino
Verdemont Excavation explains the paperwork so nothing surprises you. The contractor we refer pulls the permits; this page is so you know what to expect.
Grading permits: city or county
If your property is inside a city, that city's Building and Safety or Engineering counter reviews grading: San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Yucaipa, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, Loma Linda and Colton all run their own. Unincorporated communities such as Devore, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, Mentone and Bloomington go through San Bernardino County Land Use Services.
Most of these follow the grading appendix of the California Building Code. A permit is generally needed for more than about 50 cubic yards of cut or fill, for cuts or fills deeper than about two feet, for any building pad, and for work that changes drainage. Hillside lots usually need a soils report and an engineered grading plan, and grading during the rainy season needs an erosion control plan.
ADU site work
State law requires cities to approve ADUs that meet objective standards, and the California HCD ADU page summarizes the rules. The grading and drainage for the ADU pad is reviewed with the building permit, and sewer or septic capacity is checked at the same time.
Sewer laterals and septic
Lateral replacement needs a plumbing or sewer permit from the city, and an encroachment permit if the trench reaches into the street. Septic systems are permitted by San Bernardino County Environmental Health after a perc test, under the State Water Board OWTS policy.
DigAlert before every dig
California Government Code 4216 requires a DigAlert ticket at least two working days before excavating. Utilities mark their lines with paint and flags, and digging near a mark is done by hand.
- 1
Confirm the counter
City or county, from the parcel number.
- 2
Reports and plans
Soils report and grading plan if the job needs them.
- 3
Permit issued
Fees paid, plans approved.
- 4
DigAlert ticket
Two working days before digging.
- 5
Inspections
Compaction, sewer, septic and final grade signed off.
Permit questions
When do I need a grading permit in San Bernardino County?
Generally when a job moves more than about 50 cubic yards, cuts or fills more than a couple of feet, builds a pad, or changes how water drains. Each city sets its own details, so the contractor confirms with the counter for your parcel.
Do I need a permit to replace my sewer lateral?
Yes. Cities require a plumbing or sewer permit for lateral replacement, plus an encroachment permit when the work reaches into the street.
Who approves septic systems?
San Bernardino County Environmental Health, after a perc test and system design, for new and replacement systems.
Is DigAlert required for a small backyard dig?
Yes. California law requires a DigAlert ticket at least two working days before any excavation with powered equipment, including in your own yard.
Let the contractor handle the paperwork
Send the address and the job. The referred contractor pulls the permits and files DigAlert.