Development Engineering (DE)

• Grading
• Stormwater Management
• Erosion and Sediment Control
• Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)

We encourage you to use the information on this page in planning your site development or construction project. Early coordination helps to determine whether permits, plans, inspections, or additional approvals are required and can prevent delays during construction. Reviewing the information on this page before beginning design or construction will help understand the City's requirements and ensure the project moves forward safety, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

1. Determine if your project will require grading, erosion sediment control or stormwater management measures.
   • Is the project outside the existing building footprint?
   • Are there any earth disturbances that modify existing topography, including excavation, filling, or clearing, specifically if it involves significant earth movement or occurs within regulated areas? If so, how many cubic yards?
   • Are active construction activities anticipated between October to April?
   • Do I need a building permit?
   • Do I need any land use approvals (e.g., design review, use permit, etc.)?
   • Will the project add new surfaces that do not absorb water, such as buildings, driveways, or pavement?
     
   
   
2. Learn what to expect:
• Learn about the permit process and fees at www.GoBenicia.org.
  


3. Prepare for permitting:
   • Hiring a Design Professional: Architect, Landscape Architect, Professional Engineer/Surveyors
   • Hiring a contractor
   • Seek guidance if you have questions
     


4. Grading Permit:
• Apply through the online Permit Center
• Online Permit Center Tutorials


5. Construction:
• Pre-Construction: Ensure all required permits are issued and any required pre-construction inspections are completed prior to the start of grading or earth-disturbing activities. Required stormwater, erosion, and sediment control measures must be installed before construction begins.
• Construction Hours: Ensure the project adheres to the City’s permitted construction hours. See section below for hours.
• Erosion and Sediment Control: Maintain all approved erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) throughout construction to prevent sediment discharge and protect the storm drain system.
  

Inspections: Schedule and complete all required inspections for the permitted scope of work at the appropriate stages of construction.

Development Engineering staff can be contacted via email at developmentengineering@ci.benicia.ca.us or by phone at 707-746-4210.

PERMIT PROCESSING TIMEFRAMES

Intake: Up to 5 Working Days

Permit Precheck: Up to 2 Working Days

Grading Plan Review: Review timelines for grading permits vary depending on the size, scope, and complexity of the project, as well as the completeness of the submitted application materials. Applicants should ensure all required information is provided at the time of submittal to help avoid delays during the review process.

Plan Review Letter(s): Up to 4 Working Days After Plan Review

Payment and Issuance: 1-5 Working Days After Approval 

Construction hours are regulated through the City's Noise Ordinance, Chapter 8.20 of the Municipal Code and are limited to the following.

    Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

    Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

More information can be found here: BMC chapter 8.20.150 (Construction of buildings and projects)

Important to know:

• When making your appointment, please select whether you prefer in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
• Please indicate whether you need accommodations so that we may reserve the appropriate room and equipment to serve you best.
• To ensure that we are providing the best service, please clearly describe the information that is needed.
• Virtual appointments are through Microsoft Teams application. If you are unable to download the app, you may join the meeting in a web browser.
• The City’s Permit Services Center is fully virtual. In-Person meetings can be scheduled for technical assistance, payments and document viewing. The City does not accept paper submittal of applications, plans or other related permit documents. 

• Logging into the permit center will allow you to view the status of your permit and any outstanding action items.
• Once logged in, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “my records” to access your permit or permits. 
  
  

• Silt Fencing – Installed along the perimeter of disturbed areas to capture sediment from runoff.
• Fiber Rolls / Straw Wattles – Used on slopes and along contours to slow runoff and reduce erosion.
• Gravel Bags – Placed at inlets or along flow paths to reduce velocity and trap sediment.
• Stabilized Construction Entrance/Exit – Prevents tracking of sediment onto public streets.
• Inlet Protection – Covers or barriers installed at storm drain inlets to prevent sediment entry.
• Hydraulic Mulch or Hydroseeding – Temporary soil stabilization to protect exposed soil.
• Soil Binders – Applied to disturbed areas to reduce dust and erosion.
• Slope Roughening / Terracing – Reduces runoff velocity and improves soil stability on slopes.
• Temporary Drainage Swales – Direct runoff to controlled discharge points.
• Sediment Traps or Basins – Capture sediment-laden runoff on larger sites.
• Dust Control Measures – Watering or soil treatments to minimize wind erosion.
• Good Housekeeping Practices – Proper material storage, waste containment, and spill prevention.
• Street Sweeping and Sediment Removal – Removes tracked sediment from paved surfaces.
• Temporary Check Dams – Installed in swales or ditches to slow runoff and capture sediment.
• For a full list, click on the BASMAA webpage and look for best management practices. 

An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP), prepared by the design professional, and an accompanying erosion and sediment control checklist are required for projects where:

• Projects subject to a grading permit under BMC Chapter 15.73, Grading and Erosion Control.
• Projects that require a building permit or construction permit and have the potential for significant erosion or significant non-stormwater discharges of sediment or construction site waste.
• Projects involving hillside soil disturbance, including cuts, fills, or slope modification.
• Projects with construction occurring during the rainy season (October 15 to April 15 of each year).
• Projects located near creeks, streams, or intermittent or ephemeral drainageways.
• Projects that, due to site conditions or construction activities, could result in a discharge to the storm drain system if not properly managed.
• Any other project required by the Building Official, based on site-specific conditions and potential impacts.