Land designated as “Hillside Area” on the Department of City Planning Hillside Area Map (12.21A.17), which can be viewed on NavigateLA. The area where construction projects are subject to the “Baseline Hillside Ordinance."

Please see Information Bulletin P/BC 2026-057 for details.

A soils report is needed for construction on a slope steeper than 3:1 (Horizontal:Vertical), excavations removing lateral support, when a structure cannot be designed per building code values, and/or for structures which do not conform to chapter 18 of the 2014 LABC.

A geology report is needed for development within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone or a Preliminary Fault Rupture Study Area or for new onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).A combined report is needed for projects in a Hillside Grading Area or where bedrock is encountered in addition

Please see Information Bulletin P/BC 2023-060 for a detailed explanation.

A grading bond is required for projects with over 250 CY of cut or fill in a Hillside Grading Area.

A building plan checker reviews most grading plans. The grading plan checker will review grading plans for grading work in conjunction with an approved subdivision map or to issue grading permits to correct a hazardous soil condition per LABC 7005.7.

The district grading inspector will clear the release of the bond upon completion of the work. Financial Services will release the bond amount.

A grading pre-inspection (GPI) can be applied for at the construction services center.

Grading plans are submitted to the building plan checker at the construction services center.