Orinda, CA · Contra Costa County
Hillside Grading Permit
Orinda property owners and applicants use this application to request a permit for grading work on developed parcels with an average slope greater than 15%.
What this form is
Orinda requires a Hillside Grading Permit for grading work on a developed parcel with an average slope greater than 15%, unless all three stated exceptions apply. The application asks for property and applicant details, project and landscaping information, and signatures. Applicants must also submit plans, a recent preliminary title report, a statement of findings, and, when applicable, arborist and landscape water efficiency documents.
Who needs it
Property owners or their applicants seeking grading work on a developed parcel with an average slope greater than 15% need this permit unless the stated exceptions apply.
How to submit it
Applications are accepted only electronically. Submit the complete application online at https://www.cityoforinda.org/527/Application-Submittal with the listed plans, title report, statement of findings, and applicable reports or checklist.
About notarization
This document is signed and dated without a notary; the property owner and applicant, if different, sign the application, and no notarized attachment or sworn step is stated.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Hillside Grading Permit application and its submittal requirements.
- 2
Complete The Application
Provide property, owner, applicant, project, and landscaping information, then have the property owner and applicant, if different, sign and date.
- 3
Gather Required Documents
Prepare a one-PDF plan set, a preliminary title report not more than six months old, and a separate statement of findings; add applicable reports or checklist.
- 4
Submit Electronically
Submit the complete application and supporting documents online through Orinda’s application submittal page.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the Hillside Grading Permit?
- No. The property owner and applicant, if different, sign and date the application. The document does not state that an attachment or related step must be notarized or sworn.
- Who needs an Orinda Hillside Grading Permit?
- A developed parcel with an average slope greater than 15% is subject to the permit for any grading work, unless all three exceptions listed in the application apply.
- How do I submit the Hillside Grading Permit application?
- Applications are accepted only electronically. Submit the complete application online through the city’s application submittal page with the required plans and supporting documents.
- What documents must accompany the application?
- Submit a one-PDF plan set, a preliminary title report not more than six months old, and a statement of findings. Include an arborist report and Landscape Water Efficiency Checklist when applicable.
Need something notarized?
This Hillside Grading Permit doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Orinda form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.