Retaining Walls: Corona vs Riverside

Retaining walls in Corona over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a building permit. Walls supporting any surcharge load — sloped soil, driveways, pools, or structures — require permits and engineered design at any height. Hillside areas have additional requirements for terracing and drainage.

Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) or supporting a surcharge load require a building permit and engineering in Riverside. Walls must be engineered to resist lateral earth pressure and comply with California Building Code requirements.