Clearing and grading

• Court rulings on clearing limits in the CAO: Questions and answers
• Clearing and grading permits
  • Permit of special interest: Glacier Maury Island gravel project
• Clearing and grading FAQ
• Clearing and Grading Permits Bulletin # 28 (PDF*, 157KB)
• Clearing and grading permit application forms packet
• Clearing permit fee estimates and grading permit fee estimates
• Free blackberry clearing permit 
• Fire hazard reduction permit 
• Forest practices 
• Forest practices permits 
• Land use inspections 
  • Preconstruction conference
• Erosion and sediment control for construction sites 
• King County post-construction soil standard
• Clearing and grading regulations (PDF*, 398KB), Chapter 16.82 of the King County Code

Clearing and grading are activities associated with developing property for various commercial and residential uses. Clearing has to do with removing vegetation or other organic material and grading involves reshaping the ground surface.

Clearing or grading proposals may need to be reviewed and a permit may be required before moving land in order to ensure the activity will not negatively impact the environment or existing structures.

Large and complicated activities, such as grading proposals for surface mines (e.g., gravel pits) or large highway or pipeline expansions, require a pre-application. See project management for land use permits (PDF*, 150KB) for more information.

The links above provide detailed information on clearing and grading topics, or contact DDES customer service at 206-296-6600 for more information about clearing and grading in unincorporated King County.

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To request this information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY Relay: 711.