Showing ordinances that apply to Big Creek, CA
Big Creek is an unincorporated community (population 151) in Fresno County, California. Because Big Creek is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Fresno County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The retaining walls rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Retaining walls over 4 ft from bottom of footing to top require a Fresno County building permit (CBC §105.2). Walls supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure) require a permit at any height.
Per California Building Code §105.2 as adopted locally, retaining walls up to 4 ft are exempt from building permits UNLESS they support a surcharge—such as sloped backfill beyond the wall, driveway, or structure load—or impound Class I/II/III-A liquids. Walls exceeding 4 ft or with a surcharge need engineered plans, soil bearing verification, drainage, and often rebar schedules. Segmental block walls over 4 ft also require permits. Setback from property line typically 6 inches or more; drainage must not discharge onto neighboring property (nuisance liability under Civil §3479).
Unpermitted wall: stop-work, double permit fees, may require demolition if structurally unsafe. Wall failure causing damage: civil liability.
See how Big Creek's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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