Definitions
Clearing: The cutting and removal of existing vegetation without disturbance to the soil or surface, or destruction of the root system.
Environmentally sensitive lands: Land containing steep hillsides, sensitive biological resources, coastal beaches, sensitive coastal bluffs, or Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Excavation: The act, process, or result of earthen material or substance being removed, cut into, dug, quarried, uncovered, displaced, or relocated
Existing grade: The grade of a premise that existed before any development occurred or the grade of an existing pad that was approved by a tentative map. See Section 113.0228 for additional information on determining the existing grade.
Fill: Any soil, excavated or dredged material, riprap, rock, concrete, construction debris, pilings, sand, or other material or substance that is added to any location on a premise.
Grade: The elevation of the surface of the ground.
Grading: Any earthwork that involves grubbing, excavating, embanking, or filling.
Grubbing: The removal or destruction of vegetation by disturbing the root system or soil surface. The activity can range from reshaping a hillside for a new subdivision to terracing a backyard slope.
Proposed Grade: The grade of a premise that will result after all development has been completed.
Steep hillsides: All lands that have a slope with a natural gradient of 25% (4 feet of horizontal distance for every 1 foot of vertical distance) or greater and a minimum elevation differential of 50 feet, or a natural gradient of 200% (1 foot of horizontal distance for every 2 feet of vertical distance) or greater and a minimum elevation differential of 10 feet.
Please refer to San Diego Municipal Code
Chapter 11, Article 3, Division 1 (Definitions) for more land development terms.