14.40.040 Permit required.
A. Application. No person shall make changes or cause changes to be made in the surface of any land by grading, excavating, filling, stockpiling or the removal or disturbance of the natural topsoil thereon without first having obtained a valid grading permit, except as provided in subsection B of this section.
B. Exemptions. A grading permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Agricultural crop management;
2. Excavation and filling of cemetery graves;
3. Routine maintenance of existing landscaping;
4. Emergency situations involving immediate danger to life or property or substantial fire hazards;
5. Excavations for wells, dewatering wells, or trenches for utilities;
6. Exploratory excavations performed under the direct supervision of a design professional registered in the state of Washington;
7. In any one year an excavation less than 50 cubic yards which:
a. Is less than one foot in depth; and
b. Does not obstruct a stream or surface water; and
c. Does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in height and steeper than two horizontal to one vertical; and
d. Is adequately protected against erosion;
8. In any one year a fill less than 50 cubic yards which:
a. Is less than one foot in depth; and
b. Does not obstruct a stream or surface water; and
c. Is not intended to support structures; and
d. Does not create a fill slope greater than three feet in height and steeper than five horizontal to one vertical; and
e. Is adequately protected against erosion;
9. Grading within five feet of a proposed footing that is required for placement of a building that is associated with a valid building permit. (Ord. 1169 § 4, 2009).