Retaining Walls: Rialto vs Victorville
How do retaining walls rules compare between Rialto, CA and Victorville, CA?
Rialto and Victorville have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Retaining walls in Rialto are governed by California Building Code §105.2 (adopted via Rialto Code Title 15) and zoning standards in §18.61.170. Any retaining wall over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, or any wall supporting a surcharge, requires a building permit.
View full Rialto rules →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing require a building permit with engineered plans in Victorville. Lower walls need no permit but must meet setback and drainage rules.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rialto | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Over 4 ft (footing to top) or any wall with surcharge | Over 4 ft or surcharge |
| Code Authority | CBC §105.2 (CCR Title 24) via Rialto Code Title 15 | - |
| Zoning | Rialto Code §18.61.170 height standards | - |
| Building & Safety | 150 S Palm Ave; 909-820-2505 | - |
| Boundary Walls | Cal. Civ. Code §841 cost-sharing applies | - |
| Measure | - | Bottom of footing to top |
| Engineer | - | CA licensed plans required |
| Drainage | - | Weep holes and backfill |
| Combined Height | - | Wall plus fence counts |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rialto FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 3-foot retaining wall in Rialto?
Generally no, if it does not support a surcharge (vehicle load or sloped soil). California Building Code §105.2 exempts walls 4 feet or less without surcharge.
What if my retaining wall holds up a driveway?
Any retaining wall supporting a surcharge (including a driveway or parked vehicle load) requires a building permit per CBC §105.2, regardless of height. Contact Rialto Building & Safety at 909-820-2505.
Victorville FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 3-foot retaining wall?
Not if it is under 4 feet and has no surcharge. Anything over 4 feet or supporting a driveway or slope requires engineered permit plans.
Does a fence on a wall count toward height?
Yes. The combined height of the retaining wall plus the fence on top is used to determine Development Code fence-height compliance.
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