Digging Where the Water Table Is Shallow

Mono County’s planning documents describe the Bridgeport Valley groundwater basin as having a shallow water table, recharged by streams, tributaries and irrigation water on the valley’s farmland. The county counts more than 16,000 irrigated acres in the valley. On meadow-side and creek-side lots, a footing or trench can hit water sooner than you’d expect, and groundwater runs highest in spring and early summer.

That matters most if your property isn’t on sewer. The Bridgeport Public Utility District provides water and sewer service to about 177 acres in town. Outside it, a septic system goes through Mono County’s onsite wastewater rules. Those call for soil profiles and percolation tests in spring and early summer, when groundwater is highest. For typical soils, they require at least 5 feet of soil between the bottom of the leach field and groundwater, and leach lines at least 100 feet from the top of bank of a perennial stream. We’ll look at your site, your soils report and your septic design before we price the dig.

A Short Season and Cold Ground

Mono County’s building design criteria list a ground snow load of 65 psf for Bridgeport and require footings at least 18 inches below finished grade for frost. The county’s general construction specifications for land development projects call for construction to stop by October 15, with all exposed soil stabilized for winter. If you want dirt moved this year, get on the schedule early so grading and erosion control are finished well before mid-October.

Bigger jobs need a grading permit. Mono County requires one if you excavate or fill 200 cubic yards or more, cut deeper than 4 feet or fill 3 feet or more at any point, clear vegetation from more than 10,000 square feet, grade within 2 feet of a property line, or build slopes steeper than 2:1. Bridgeport is the county seat, so the permit counter is in town.

Driveways, County Roads and US-395

A new driveway approach or utility crossing in a county road needs a Mono County encroachment permit. Public Works must get at least 48 hours’ notice before work starts, and no material can be stored within 8 feet of the edge of pavement. Bridgeport’s town center sits where US-395 meets State Route 182. Work inside a state highway right-of-way, including driveways, utilities and excavation, needs an encroachment permit from Caltrans District 9, based in Bishop. We’ll tell you which permits your project needs before you sign anything.

Where We Work Around Bridgeport

We work in the town of Bridgeport, across Bridgeport Valley and out toward Twin Lakes and Bridgeport Reservoir. We also go north toward the Antelope Valley and south to the Mono Basin and Lee Vining. Farther south, see our pages for June Lake, Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, or our Mono County services overview.

Bridgeport Excavation FAQ

Do I need a grading permit in Mono County?

You will if you excavate or fill 200 cubic yards or more, cut deeper than 4 feet, fill 3 feet or more, clear more than 10,000 square feet, work within 2 feet of a property line, or create slopes steeper than 2:1.

How late in the year can you dig in Bridgeport?

For land development projects, Mono County’s specs call for construction to stop by October 15, with soil stabilized for winter. Plan your grading for the warm months and book early.

Does my new driveway need a permit?

If it connects to a county road, you’ll need a Mono County encroachment permit. If it connects to US-395 or State Route 182, you’ll need one from Caltrans District 9.

Do you work for ranch owners and contractors?

Yes. We work directly for homeowners and property owners, and as the excavation subcontractor for general contractors and developers.

Planning Work in Bridgeport?

Send us the property location, your plans and any soils or septic reports. We’ll walk the site and send a clear written estimate. Request a free estimate