How is grading defined?

Grading includes initial clearing, brushing or grubbing, subsequent excavating or filling, stockpiling, terracing, road building, leveling and bulldozing on any property.

What is a grading permit?

A grading permit is an official document which authorizes specific grading activity on private or public property.

When do I need a grading permit?

A Type I grading permit is required for:

1) Single dwelling residential development on a single lot with a development envelope area of 14,000 square feet or more.

2) Nonresidential development which does not require a subdivision plat or development plan.

3) Grading which requires a permanent cut or fill slope greater than 5 feet in height and steeper than 3:1 slope.

4) Grading on a slope of 15% or greater

5) More than 3,000 square feet of new pavement

6) Stockpiling of between 100 cubic yards and 50,0000 cubic yards of material.

A Type II permit is required for:

1) Residential development which requires a subdivision plat or development plan.

2) Nonresidential development which requires a subdivision plat or development plan.

3) Stockpiling of more than fifty thousand cubic yards of material.

Is my property HDZ or subject to the Slope ordinance?

The ordinance is really the Hillside Development Overlay Zone. (HDOZ) or HDZ for short. This chapter applies to any land parcel, lot or project site containing slopes of fifteen percent (15%) or greater, which are both longer than fifty feet (50') when measured in any horizontal direction and higher than seven and one-half feet (7-1/2') when measured vertically. We do not make this critical assessment over the telephone or fax. An assessment must be requested in person at the Public Works Center- Development Services Department - first floor Grading/Hillside section.

Can I build on my property which is subject to HDZ?

Yes, as long as you comply with all the requirements of the HDZ ordinance.

What is a Protected Peak and can I build on my property which has a protected peak located on it?

Protected Peaks and Ridges are designated and mapped peaks and ridges. Grading or development is not permitted within a horizontal radius of one hundred and fifty feet (150') of the protected peak or ridge. See Pima County Code, section 18.61.100 for index to maps or visit the HDZ or Planning section of the Development Services Department in the Public Works Center - 201 N. Stone Av. for a copy of the maps.

Where can I get a copy of the Hillside Development Overlay Zone ordinance?

 Visit the Web at and search in Zoning code - chapter 18.61. You can also find the Grading ordinance in the Zoning code - chapter 18.81.

When is a grading permit required for a wall or fence?

A Grading permit is required when the clearing involved to place the wall or fence exceeds one of the following :

1) Grading 14,000 square feet or more.

2) Grading which requires a permanent cut or fill slope greater than 5 feet in height and steeper than 3:1 slope.

3) Grading on slope of 15% or greater

Do I need a Grading permit to build a road within a recorded ingress/egress easement?

If any of the proposed grading takes place on 15% or greater slopes, a grading permit is required but will be issued only after a plan submittal has been made for the single family residence on the parcel.

If the proposed grading does not take place on any 15% slopes a grading permit is required if 1,2 or 3 in “When do I need a grading permit?” apply. 

If the parcel does not contain any 15% or greater slopes and the proposed grading is taking place within the recorded ingress/egress easement, the grading is specifically exempted from a grading permit.

How and where do I get a grading permit?

• "How to Obtain a Grading Permit" Informational Brochure (pdf)

See plan submittal requirements within the Grading Standards or the Hillside Development Overlay Zone ordinance whichever applies. (See Pima County Code, Title 18)

Plans are submitted and application for permit is made with the Grading\Hillside section of the Development Services Department within the Public Works Center - 201 N. Stone Av. Tucson Arizona, first floor.