Civil Engineering & Grading Plans for Los Angeles

We try to turn around Altadena fire rebuilds within 1 week or faster. For everywhere else, our goal is 1st submittal within 2 weeks from when we receive your architect files and survey.

Yes. Steep lots require more detailed grading plans and drainage analysis. In Los Angeles County and City, hillside properties with slopes exceeding 20% require shoring plans and geotechnical coordination. We have experience with hillside properties throughout Los Angeles City, the South Bay, Beverly Hills, Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.

A grading plan defines existing and proposed topography, showing cuts, fills, and slope ratios (typically noted as 2:1 or 3:1). Los Angeles County requires a grading plan when moving over 500 cubic yards of earth, working in hillside areas, or excavating for basements and pools. A drainage plan addresses stormwater management, showing how water flows across the site and connects to municipal storm systems or private dispersal methods. Most projects require both when modifying more than 500 square feet of impermeable surface or altering drainage patterns.

Yes. California Title 24 and Los Angeles County require a civil engineer for ADUs over 500 square feet to address grading, drainage, and potential low impact development requirements. Los Angeles City requires civil engineer sign-off for ADUs in hillside zones or properties with slope exceeding 20%. Requirements vary by city within Los Angeles County. We work with homeowners and architects throughout the area.

Yes. LA County commonly rejects plans for incomplete drainage calculations, failure to address adjacent property runoff, and sump pump design issues when post-development flow exceeds pre-development flow. We review the county comments, recalculate as needed, and resubmit. Most rejections are resolved in one revision cycle.

For single-family residential Altadena fire rebuilds, we offer standard pricing: drainage plans are $4,400 and hydrology reports are $2,400 when drainage must cross the property (such as side yards draining front to rear or lots with no street access at the lower elevation). Most Altadena lots require both due to the hillside terrain and county requirements. If your project involves moving or widening your driveway apron, a street plan is required for right-of-way work and we charge $3,400 for this.