The Grading Plan Check section reviews grading plans and soil engineering and/or engineering geology reports submitted for proposed grading projects located within the unincorporated portions of Orange County. Please reference the DPC Checklist for Minimum Standard Requirements for Grading Plan Check Submittal.

• Provides grading-related services for properties within the unincorporated areas of Orange County.
• Provides project specific information for grading, sand or gravel and mineral extraction permits.
• Provides forms, maps, or studies ( or directions on how to secure the same) related to grading permit bonding, earthquake hazards special studies zones, geotechnical hazards, flood hazard, etc.
• Receives plans, reports and application for grading permits. (All applications for grading permits are initiated at Station 1).
• Issues grading permits.

A grading plan reviewer checks the grading plan submitted with the grading permit application. The reviewer will check the plan for compliance with the requirements specified within the Orange County Grading and Excavation Code, Grading Manual and related recommendations contained in the report(s) prepared by the soil engineer and/or engineering geologist of record for the project. Please refer to the Grading Plan Standards and Correction List for generally required information.

The soil engineer and/or engineering geologist report(s) prepared for the site are reviewed by a geotechnical reviewer in accordance with requirements specified in the Orange County Grading and Excavation Code, Grading Manual and appropriate publications issued by the California Geologic Survey (formerly Division of Mines and Geology). Please refer to the Grading Manual, Subarticle 5.4 and Appendix B-Technical Guidelines for Soil and Geology Reports for general information that should be included in soil engineering and/or engineering geology reports.

For more detail information please press the appropriate button to access the Orange County Grading Code and Grading Manual, and PDS Fee Ordinance for Grading Deposit Schedule.

You may also obtain additional information regarding issues related to liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides by accessing the website of the California Geologic Survey. Under Quick Hits, for related maps and reports go to "Seismic Hazard Mapping" for Special Publication 117 - "Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California." Click on "Publication and Forms," then click "Products We Sell," and scroll down to "Technical Reports & Guidelines" then select Special Publication 117.