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North Clackamas Revitalization Area
Clackamas County Service District No. 1
Tri-City Service District
Surface Water Management Agency of Clackamas County
Grading
The purpose of a grading permit is to safeguard life, limb, property and the public welfare by regulating grading on private property. The grading permit process regulates and controls excavation, grading and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments for issuance of permits. It also provides for approval of plans and inspection of grading construction. Whether or not a permit is required, all excavation and grading must conform to Clackamas County Code requirements, and must control erosion and protect adjacent properties
Permit Required
No person shall do any grading without first having obtained a grading
permit from the Building Codes Division Manager (WES) or its designee.
In Appropriate instances there are categories, which have exception from
the grading, permit requirements. See County Code Title 9, section 9.03
Excavation and Grading for these categories.
Do I need a grading permit?
You will need to obtain a grading permit before doing any of the following
land grading activities on your property (County Code Title 9, section
9.03 Excavation and Grading.):
1. Accumulative filling and/or excavation exceeding 50 cubic yards.
2. Filling to a depth of two feet or more in any one location.
3. Excavating to a depth of five feet or more in any one location.
4. Grading or excavating, in any quantities on steep slopes, in wetlands,
or into or next to any body of water, including streams or drainage courses,
or any other sensitive area.
If your plans include any of the excavation or grading activities described
above, or if you have additional questions contact a WES at 503-353-4567.
Grading permit requirements
Except as exempted in 9.03.030 A through I, no person should do any grading
without first obtaining a grading permit from WES. A separate permit will
be required for each site, and may cover both excavations and fills.
How do I get a grading permit?
To obtain a permit, the applicant must first file an application. Every
such application must comply with the requirements set forth in County
Code Title 9, section 9.03 Excavation and Grading.
Erosion Control
The faces of cut and fill slopes must be prepared and maintained to control
against erosion. This control may consist of effective planting. The protection
for the slopes must be installed as soon as practicable and prior to calling
for final approval. Where necessary, check dams, cribbing, riprap or other
devices or methods must be employed to control erosion and provide safety
(See the Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual).
Violations such as Nuisance and Abatement Remedies
Any violation of any term or provision of this chapter is hereby deemed
to constitute a public nuisance. In addition to any other remedies or
actions provided for under the terms and provisions of this County Code
Title 9, section 9.03 Excavation and Grading, or by law, violation of
this chapter may be abated by a civil action filed by Clackamas County
Counsel in Circuit Court in the name of the County against any violator,
including the property owner or occupier.
