Grading Permit Bond - City of Santa Clarita, CA in California

Brief Summary

Santa Clarita prices the grading bond off your earthwork quantities, so a small precise grade job may need no bond at all while a mass grading project can run well into six figures. Knowing the formula before plan check lets you line up the surety bond early instead of holding the permit for it.

The City of Santa Clarita can require grading security under Section 17.84.010 of its Unified Development Code for any grading over 1,000 cubic yards, and for smaller jobs where unusual conditions or special hazards exist. The amount is based on cubic yards of cut or fill, whichever is greater, plus the cost of drainage and protective devices. The City's current calculation sheet drops the bond requirement when the total comes to less than $20,000.

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How to Apply for a Grading Permit Bond:

• Total the cut, fill and over excavation quantities from the grading plan.
• Have the engineer of record sign and attach the drainage device cost estimate.
• Run the City's grading fee and bond calculation sheet to get the bond amount.
• Apply for the bond on the City of Santa Clarita Grading Bond form.
• Submit the acknowledged bond with the $284 bond processing fee.
• Plan for the $206 annual renewal fee until the City Engineer approves final grading.

Detailed Information About the California Grading Permit Bond:

How the bond amount is calculated

Under UDC Section 17.84.010, the security is based on the number of cubic yards of excavation or fill, whichever is greater, plus the cost of drainage or other protective devices, retaining walls and work needed to eliminate geotechnical hazards. The City Engineer estimates those costs.

The Engineering Services Division's grading fee and bond calculation sheet, with fees effective August 24, 2026, applies a rate of $2.7352 per cubic yard for the first 100,000 cubic yards and $1.3624 per cubic yard above that, then adds the engineer's drainage device cost estimate. If the result is under $20,000, the sheet shows no grading bond required.

Who may be excused

The City Engineer may waive security for grading done in or for a government agency, grading to remove a geological hazard already covered by an agreement and security, grading on a site no steeper than 3 to 1 that will not affect drainage to or from neighbors, and filling holes or depressions that will not affect drainage.

Form of the security

The code calls for a bond from a corporate surety authorized to do business in California. Other security needs the City Engineer's prior written approval. The City Engineer may require up to 10 percent of the security as a cash deposit, which the City can use for erosion, dust and sediment control. Use the City's own Grading Bond form, payable to the City of Santa Clarita, with all signatures acknowledged.

How long it lasts

The bond runs from filing until the City Engineer approves the completed grading. Once rough grading is done, the City Engineer may agree to a proportionate reduction. The calculation sheet lists a $284 bond processing fee and a $206 annual bond renewal fee. If the work goes into default, the surety stays bound up to the full bond amount for the City's cost to finish it.

Eligibility and Requirements for a California Grading Permit Bond:

• City of Santa Clarita named as obligee.
• Corporate surety authorized to do business in California.
• Bond amount based on cubic yards plus drainage and protective device costs.
• Possible cash deposit of up to 10 percent of the security for erosion and dust control.
• Notarized acknowledgment of principal and surety signatures.

California Grading Permit Bond FAQs:

Official and Additional Resources for the California Grading Permit Bond: