Retaining walls in Fontana require a building permit once they retain more than 4 feet of soil measured from the bottom of the footing, or at any height if they support a surcharge. Structural plans, drainage design, and geotechnical review are often required.
Fontana follows the California Building Code and its local amendments in reviewing retaining walls. Walls retaining 4 feet or less with no surcharge can generally be built without a structural permit, though zoning and setback rules still apply. Walls retaining more than 4 feet, or any wall that supports a surcharge (slope above the wall, driveway load, pool, or building), require a building permit with stamped structural calculations and, for taller walls or poor soils, a geotechnical report. Proper drainage behind the wall, including weep holes or French drains, is required to prevent hydrostatic failure. Fontana sits on alluvial fan soils with variable bearing capacity, and the northern foothill districts have additional slope-stability considerations. Walls that combine a retaining function with a fence on top (common where slopes step down in subdivisions) are measured cumulatively, and the overall height must still comply with Zoning Code height limits for fences. Contact Building and Safety (909) 350-6600.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fontana, CA
Aircraft noise in Fontana is federally regulated by the FAA, and the City has no local ordinance on overflights. Residents mainly hear approaches and departu...
Fontana, CA
Amplified music in Fontana is governed by Chapter 18 nuisance rules and the Zoning Code noise standards. Sound that is plainly audible across property lines ...
Fontana, CA
Fontana follows CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 for EV charging in new construction. HOA restrictions are preempted by California Civil Code 4745, which protects L...
Fontana, CA
Fontana regulates on-street parking under FMC Title 10 and CVC 22500 and 22651. Cars cannot park at colored curbs, block driveways, or exceed the state 72-ho...
Fontana, CA
Fontana removes abandoned vehicles under CVC 22651(k) on public streets. Inoperable, unregistered, or dismantled vehicles on private property are abated unde...
Fontana, CA
Fontana prohibits feeding wild animals under Chapter 18 nuisance rules and Chapter 4 animal provisions. Feeding coyotes, raccoons, and skunks draws them into...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle retaining walls.
See how Fontana's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.