Chino, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Chino has adopted the California Building Code (Title 24 Part 2) through CMC Title 15. CBC § 105.2 (Work Exempt From Permit) item 4 exempts retaining walls 'not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.' Walls over 4 ft, walls supporting a surcharge (sloped fill, driveway loads, structures above), or walls within a setback from a slope require a building permit, engineered plans (typically a California-licensed civil or structural engineer's wet stamp), and Building Division inspections. In hillside zones adjacent to Chino Hills State Park / Puente-Chino Hills wildlife corridor, geotechnical investigation may be required. Decorative landscape walls under 4 ft (e.g., planter boxes, garden borders) are exempt. Combined fence-on-wall installations are measured for fence height from grade on the higher side; total combined height may trigger zoning review under CMC § 20.10.080.