Retaining walls over four feet from the bottom of the footing, or any wall supporting a surcharge, require a building permit and engineered plans under the California Building Code.
Retaining walls in San Bernardino are regulated through the California Building Code as adopted in SBMC Title 15. Any retaining wall more than four feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or any wall supporting a surcharge such as a driveway, slope, or structure above, requires a building permit and engineered calculations stamped by a licensed California civil or structural engineer. The San Bernardino foothills include expansive soils and seismic considerations; the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and associated geotechnical reports may apply near the San Andreas and San Jacinto fault zones. Tiered or terraced walls generally must be separated by at least the height of the lower wall to avoid being treated as a single tall wall. Drainage behind retaining walls must meet code to prevent hydrostatic failure, and proper weep holes, drain rock, and filter fabric are required. Permits are issued through Building and Safety at 909-384-5065.
Stop-work, red-tag, and required engineered retrofit for unpermitted walls.
San Bernardino, CA
Amplified music audible beyond property lines during quiet hours violates SBMC Chapter 8.54. Police can issue citations and impound sound equipment under SBM...
San Bernardino, CA
Aircraft noise is preempted by the FAA and not subject to local San Bernardino enforcement. San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and nearby March Field...
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino Municipal Code Chapter 8.54 sets quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends and holidays. Exterior residential limits ...
San Bernardino, CA
Outdoor concerts, backyard parties, and festivals in San Bernardino must stay within SBMC Chapter 8.54 limits. Large or amplified events typically require a ...
San Bernardino, CA
Industrial noise limits in San Bernardino follow Development Code 19.20.030 standards, with exterior caps of 70 to 75 dBA depending on zone. SCAQMD Rules 444...
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino uses CVC 22651(k) to tow vehicles left on public streets more than 72 hours. Abandoned vehicles on private property can be removed under CVC 2...
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