Grading Permit Information
Purpose
A Grading Permit allows Yakima County to review your project before excavation to assess potential impacts on:
✔ The environment
✔ Structures
✔ Neighboring properties
📌 Note: A Grading Permit DOES NOT cover projects classified as mining-type operations. For mining-related activities, consult the Planning Division for zoning and land use regulations.
Mining-Related Definitions (Yakima County Code Title 19)
🔹 Mining Site/Operation – A tract of land used for excavation, processing, stockpiling, or removal of materials (e.g., sand, gravel, rock, mineral resources). Includes retail, wholesale, contract purchase, or transfer of mineral products.
🔹 Mineral Batching – Batching of sand, gravel, or rock into asphalt or cement concrete.
🔹 Mineral Processing – Crushing, non-chemical washing (including sedimentation ponds), screening, sorting, stockpiling, and blending of natural materials.
❌ Does NOT include:
- Batching into asphaltic or Portland cement concrete
- Manufacturing concrete-based products (e.g., concrete pipe, bricks)
- Chemical extraction of minerals
Common Grading Terminology
🔹 Fill – Earth material placed by artificial means (e.g., dump truck, backhoe).
✔ Allowed Fill Materials: Natural materials such as rock, gravel, and dirt.
❌ Prohibited Fill Materials:
- Asphalt
- Concrete (larger than 12”)
- Tree stumps & debris
🔹 Cuts – Removal of materials from the land to lower elevation.
🔹 Redistribution – Moving materials within property boundaries to alter elevations (cut or fill).
🔹 Volume Calculation – Based on the total sum (cubic yards) of all CUTS and FILLS.
For more information, contact Yakima County Building & Fire Safety Division.
Grading & Excavation Site Plan Requirements
✔ Plans must be drawn to scale on suitable material.
✔ Plans must clearly show the nature and extent of the proposed work.
✔ Plans must demonstrate compliance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
📌 Important Note:
Aerial photos may be submitted as supporting documentation. However, aerial photos are NOT acceptable as a site plan substitute.
(Aerial photos do not copy or scan well for distribution to other departments and agencies.)
For more information, contact Yakima County Building & Fire Safety Division or visit our Forms and Applications page