Chapter 15.12
GRADING, EXCAVATION AND LAND FILLING
Sections:
15.12.040 Prohibited excavation – Grading and filling.
15.12.080 Expiration of permit.
15.12.100 Engineer’s estimates.
Legislative history: Ords. 85-90, 92-274 and 93-300.
15.12.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter includes but is not limited to regulating the grading, excavation and filling of land in order to minimize erosion and sedimentation of watercourses and wetlands; minimize the need for and maintenance of drainage facilities; minimize adverse effects on ground and surface waters; minimize the potential for earth slides and slippage; and maintain the maximum natural vegetation. (Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.020 Permit required.
A grading permit is required for grading, excavation or filling of land except as exempted in MCMC 15.12.030. (Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.030 Exemptions.
A grading permit is not required for:
A. Excavation and grading in association with a building permit;
B. Excavations for the study of soil and ground water conditions; or
C. Landscape installation or site improvements which do not result in a fill placed behind a wall more than four feet in height or a cut more than four feet in depth or which does not exceed 50 cubic yards on any one lot. (Ord. 2017-814 § 2; Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.040 Prohibited excavation – Grading and filling.
Excavation, grading or filling is prohibited within a designated critical area and/or a critical area buffer as defined by Chapter 18.06 MCMC unless approved by the city engineer. (Ord. 2017-814 § 2; Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.050 Permit application.
An application for a grading permit shall include the following unless otherwise approved by the city engineer:
A. The name, address and telephone number of the owner of the property;
B. The name, address and telephone number of the person doing the work;
C. A map of the site which includes: topography, vegetation, wetlands and watercourses, public improvements, structures and rights-of-way or other easements and such features within 300 feet of the site;
D. The names and addresses of all property owners and residents within 300 feet of the property;
E. A grading plan indicating the areas to be filled or excavated, the contours of the land after filling or excavating and the amount of material to be moved. Contours shall be depicted at two-foot intervals or as specified by the city engineer;
F. If material is to be imported from or exported to another location, the application shall include the location of the site, the route to be followed, and evidence of compliance with the regulations of the government with jurisdiction over the site to borrow from or receive material;
G. A plan for the control of erosion and water quality during and after the site work;
H. A plan for drainage of the site;
I. A plan for restoration of vegetation or landscaping on the site;
J. An estimate of the cost of the work to be undertaken;
K. A SEPA environmental checklist; and
L. Other such information as may be required by the city engineer, including traffic engineering and geotechnical or drainage studies as required in the 2019 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington. (2021-881 § 2 (Exh. A(1)); Ord. 2017-814 § 2; Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.060 Application review.
The city engineer shall review all applications for grading permits. The city engineer may require the optional hearing process set forth in MCMC Title 17. (Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.070 Sureties.
The city engineer may require, as a condition of the permit, a surety to be posted to secure the applicant’s obligation to comply with the conditions of the permit. The surety may be up to 125 percent of the engineer’s estimated cost of the work as defined in Chapter 3.42 MCMC. (Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.080 Expiration of permit.
A grading permit shall expire six months from the date of issuance. The city engineer may grant one extension of time for an additional six months. (Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.090 Permit fee.
A permit fee is required as set by resolution of the city council as authorized in Chapter 3.42 MCMC. (Ord. 2025-943 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 2005-609 § 2)
15.12.100 Engineer’s estimates.
A. Engineer’s estimates must:
1. Be stamped and signed by a licensed professional engineer;
2. Include the cost of all land clearing, grading, erosion control, storm drainage facilities, road improvements and paving, lighting and landscaping within public rights-of-way, and any other site improvement items required for the proposed work. Water and sanitary sewer improvements may be excluded when calculating engineering plan review and construction inspection fees. The cost of all public improvements must be identified separately for bonding purposes; and
3. Be based on item quantities estimated from the approved plans multiplied by industry standard unit costs for projects with similar item quantities. In the event of a dispute regarding unit costs, the costs of similar items used in recent Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) projects will apply.
B. A valid contractor bid may be used in lieu of an engineer’s estimate if approved by the city engineer. (Ord. 2025-943 § 2 (Exh. B))