8-7-6: EXEMPTIONS:
The following grading may be done without obtaining a permit. Exemptions from the administrative requirement of obtaining a permit shall not be deemed as permission to violate any provision of this chapter, which includes among others the compliance with CEQA.
   (A)   Minor projects which have cut or fill slopes which are less than two feet (2') in vertical depth, and which include all of the following:
      1.   Less than fifty (50) cubic yards of graded material.
      2.   The removal, plowing under or burial of less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of vegetation on slopes ten percent (10%) or steeper or any amount of vegetation on slopes flatter than ten percent (10%).
      3.   No unstable or erodible slopes are created.
      4.   No encroachment onto sewage disposal systems or areas is created.
      5.   Are not intended for support of a structure and having fills less than two feet (2') in depth.
      6.   Will not alter previously placed erosion control items or alter natural drainage courses.
   (B)   Grading done by or under the supervision or construction control of a public agency or utility that assumes full responsibility for the work to the extent required by law.
   (C)   Excavations in connection with a building, structure, or swimming pool authorized by a valid building permit provided that the prescriptive standards herein are met.
   (D)   Grading necessary for agricultural operations unless such grading will create a cut or fill whose failure could endanger any structure intended for human or animal occupancy or any public road, or could obstruct or increase the sediment in any watercourse or drainage conduit.
   (E)   Trenching, excavation, and grading incidental to the construction or installation of city approved underground pipe lines, septic tank disposal fields, conduits, electrical or communication facilities, and drilling or excavation for approved wells or post holes.
   (F)   Excavations for soil, geotechnical, geological, or environmental studies by engineers, geologists, environmental health specialists or soil scientists.
   (G)   Grading in accordance with plans incorporated in an approved surface mining permit, reclamation plan or sanitary landfill.
   (H)   Maintenance of existing firebreaks and roads to keep the firebreak or road substantially in its original condition.
   (I)   Routine cemetery excavations and fills.
   (J)   Performance of emergency work necessary to protect life or property when an urgent necessity therefor arises. The person performing such emergency work shall notify the city engineer promptly of the problem and work required and shall apply for a permit therefor within ten (10) calendar days after commencing said work. (Ord. 1523, 4-11-1995)