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Yorba Linda · Building on your lot

Building on a hillside in Yorba Linda

Yorba Linda's own rules on building on a hillside, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Yorba Linda Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Yorba Linda's code says

Yorba Linda code What Yorba Linda's code adds
Grading and retaining walls
  • Retaining walls seen from off-site should be no higher than 6 feet and must be screened with plants.
    Applies: Hillside areas, slopes of 15% or more.
    § 18.30.040 · code text
    Retaining walls visible from off-site should be no higher than six feet and shall be planted with vines and/or other landscape screening.
  • Up to 3 tiered retaining walls, 9 to 12 feet each, with at least 4 feet of planted terrace between.
    Applies: Only with Planning Commission approval; hillside areas.
    § 18.30.040 · code text
    Where it is determined that higher retaining walls are required, the Planning Commission may approve a tier of up to three such walls (nine to 12 feet in height each) placed one above the other, provided a minimum of four feet of horizontal landscaped terrace is placed between each set of walls.
When hillside rules apply
  • Hillside rules apply to all parts of a property with a natural or graded slope of 15% or more.
    § 18.30.020 · code text
    These regulations shall apply to all portions of property within the City having a slope gradient, whether natural or manufactured, of 15 percent or greater.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in Yorba Linda?

Yorba Linda's code: Hillside rules apply to all parts of a property with a natural or graded slope of 15% or more. (§ 18.30.020); Retaining walls seen from off-site should be no higher than 6 feet and must be screened with plants. (Hillside areas, slopes of 15% or more.) (§ 18.30.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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Yorba Linda Municipal Code — full text