Grading plans specify how the landscape’s surface will be altered for a new construction project. In other words, a grading plan indicates where the contractor will excavate, fill, and level the land. Simply put, a grading plan depicts how to sculpt the land to achieve a particular aesthetic and ensure water flows away from buildings. Proper grading ensures a project site is suitable for construction, reduces the risk of foundation issues, and minimizes nuisance flooding. Ultimately, a grading and drainage plan will ensure that when precipitation falls on a property, runoff eventually makes it to a common drainage system like a ditch or municipal storm drain.
What is shown on a grading plan?
Grading and drainage plans depict design elevations, drainage patterns, slopes, dimensions, earthwork quantities, and the location of drainage pipes. Depending on the city or county’s requirements, a grading and drainage plan may include hydrologic calculations and proposed low-impact development (LID).
Does my project need a grading plan?
In California, grading plans are typically required as part of a grading permit. The requirements for a grading permit will vary depending on where you are within the State of California. Still, generally, a grading permit is required when cut or fill exceeds 50 cubic yards (CY), the depth of grading is greater than three feet, the proposed grading is going to support a structure/building, the project is altering existing drainage patterns in a way that could potentially affect neighboring properties, or the project is located in a FEMA floodplain. If you are unsure whether you need a grading plan, ask your local planning department.
Who prepares grading plans?
A licensed architect, landscape architect, or civil engineer is typically responsible for preparing grading and drainage plans. Some regulatory agencies may require a licensed civil engineer to stamp grading and drainage plans for projects that meet certain criteria (engineered grading). For example, Los Angeles County requires a licensed civil engineer to stamp grading plans for projects where excavation exceeds 5,000 cubic yards or where grading will support a structure. Steep slopes, cut/fill depths greater than three feet, and potential geologic hazards also trigger the need for an engineered grading plan.
It is worth noting that the architect or civil engineer preparing your grading plan will usually need a topographic survey prepared by a Professional Licensed Surveyor (PLS) to develop a grading plan.
How to get a grading plan
If you determine that you need a grading and drainage plan for your project, the next step is to find a civil engineer licensed in California to prepare one for you. You can search for civil engineering firms in your area that specialize in land development or drainage engineering. If you are working with an architect, they probably have a good working relationship with local civil engineers.
Surf City Hydraulic Engineering prepares stamped grading and drainage plans for residential properties and commercial developments in California. Surf City Hydraulic Engineering prepares residential grading plans for between $1,200 and $2,500. The cost of a grading plan depends on the size and complexity of the site. Surf City Hydraulic Engineering works closely with architects and regulatory agencies to ensure the grading and drainage plan meets the client’s needs and adheres to regulatory requirements.
If you have any questions about the grading on your projects, don’t hesitate to contact Surf City Hydraulic Engineering, and a qualified civil engineer will point you in the right direction.
Request a free, no-risk quote/proposal for your grading plan by contacting info@surfcityh2o.com or calling (714)-794-5437.