When you don't need a grading permit

Sections 20.08.040 through 20.08.160 regarding permit applications and requirements do not apply to the following; however, all other provisions of this chapter, including the provision of minimum BMPs as required by section 20.08.035 , remain applicable to all work performed, and the following exclusions do not affect the applicability of section 20.08.040.C relating to cut or fill activity in special management areas: A. Subsurface excavations and backfill for buildings and other structures authorized by a valid building permit issued by the land use and codes administration or excavations and backfill for cesspools and septic tanks authorized by the state department of health. This exclusion does not affect the applicability of this chapter to the placing of fill materials obtained from the excavations on other premises. B. Excavation, fill, or stockpiling that does not alter the general drainage pattern with respect to abutting properties and that does not exceed one hundred cubic yards of material on any one site and does not exceed four feet in vertical height at its highest point; except that the slope face may not be steeper in slope and be located a minimum distance from neighboring properties, as enumerated in sections 20.08.170 through 20.08.210 . C. Grubbing that does not alter the general drainage pattern with respect to abutting properties and does not exceed one acre. D. Trenching for underground utilities, involving trenches less than two feet deep and less than fifty cubic yards, provided the trenches are backfilled and the surface restored to its pre-existing grade and ground cover, except that this exclusion does not apply in an area determined by the County archaeologist as likely to involve a burial site or historic property, as defined by Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes chapter 6E. ( Ord. No. 5249 , § 2, 2021; Ord. No. 5229 , § 1, 2021; Ord. 2684 § 4, 1998)