California homeowner guide

Yard Drainage & Landscape Grading project guide

Address pooling, runoff, erosion, and landscape slope problems with a clearly scoped site solution. Drainage problems are easier to diagnose when you share photos during rain, affected areas, downspout locations, and previous repairs.

Define the work

Build a clearer drainage & grading request

Start with the outcome, affected area, approximate size, existing conditions, timing, and budget range. Photos and measurements can make the first contractor conversation more useful.

Standing-water correction Landscape grading French and area drains Erosion-control planting

How the C-27 directory fits

Landscape Genie uses the project ZIP to rank public C-27 records. A classification is not a specialty claim, so ask each business whether it performs this exact scope, serves your property, and has availability.

Planning questions

Drainage & grading FAQs

Use these answers to prepare—not as a substitute for a site visit, written proposal, or current license verification.

What causes standing water in a yard?+

Common causes include compacted soil, low spots, blocked drains, poorly directed downspouts, irrigation leaks, and inadequate surface slope. A site visit is needed to identify the cause.

Does every drainage project need a permit?+

Requirements vary by location and scope, especially when work affects structures, public drainage, retaining walls, or neighboring properties. Ask the contractor and local building department.

How are contractor records matched to my project?+

Your exact project ZIP is prioritized first. The list then expands by approximate straight-line distance between California ZIP centers until it reaches 22 searchable records.

Local planning guides

Explore this project across California

City pages add local planning context and nearby public C-27 records without claiming an unverified specialty or service area.