Retaining Walls: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do retaining walls rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Per CBC § 105.2 (as adopted in CMC Title 15), retaining walls 4 ft or less in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) and not supporting a surcharge are exempt from building permit. Taller walls or surcharge-loaded walls require permits, plans stamped by a licensed engineer, and inspections.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Retaining walls over four feet from the bottom of the footing, or any wall supporting a surcharge, require a building permit and engineered plans under the California Building Code.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Permit-exempt height | ≤ 4 ft (no surcharge) | - |
| Permit-required threshold | Over 4 ft OR any surcharge | - |
| Code section | CBC § 105.2 (via CMC Title 15) | - |
| Engineered plans | Required for permitted walls | - |
| Combined fence-on-wall | Total height counted for zoning | - |
| Building Division | 909-334-3251 | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 4 feet or with surcharge |
| Engineer | - | Licensed CA engineer stamp |
| Seismic Concern | - | Near San Andreas and San Jacinto faults |
| Building and Safety | - | 909-384-5065 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 3-foot landscape wall in Chino?
No, retaining walls 4 ft or less from footing bottom to top, with no surcharge load, are exempt under CBC § 105.2 as adopted in CMC Title 15.
When does my retaining wall require an engineer?
Any wall over 4 ft, or any wall supporting a surcharge (sloped fill, structure, driveway), needs engineered plans from a California-licensed civil or structural engineer.
Can I stack a 6-ft fence on a 4-ft retaining wall?
The wall may be permit-exempt, but the combined 10-ft height triggers fence permitting and zoning review. Contact Chino Building & Safety at 909-334-3251 first.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need an engineer for a three-foot wall?
Generally no if it is less than four feet from the footing and carries no surcharge; taller or loaded walls require engineered plans.
What is a surcharge?
Any load above the wall such as a sloped yard, driveway, or structure that adds pressure; walls with a surcharge need a permit regardless of height.
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