Retaining Walls: Mead Valley vs Riverside

Retaining walls over 3 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall require a building permit in Riverside County under California Building Code §105.2 (as adopted by Ordinance 460). Walls supporting a surcharge (such as a driveway or pool) require a permit at any height. Walls are drawn to seismic standards for Design Category D.

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.