"James and his crew did a great job with my retaining wall project! The final wood walls came out perfect. I'm very satisfied with my new retaining walls, which look beautiful."
Read the entire review by Kelsey Ericks in Moraga, CA

Navigating the Permit Process for Moraga Residents

In Moraga, CA, the permit process is a crucial part of any retaining wall project. It involves several steps to ensure that your construction work is safe, legal, and up to the town's standards.

Firstly, it's important to understand when a permit is required. In Moraga, a grading permit is necessary for any construction work that involves altering the landscape's contours or displacing soil. This includes building or repairing retaining walls. If your project involves grading on a slope steeper than 20%, a Hillside Development Permit is also required.

To apply for a grading permit, you'll need to provide a grading plan that shows the existing topography with a 2-foot contour interval and the proposed changes. This plan should also include the total amount of cut or excavated earth and fill soil. If the project involves grading on a slope steeper than 20%, a report from a qualified geotechnical engineer is required.

The permitting process also involves the cost of peer review by an independent geotechnical consultant under contract with the Town of Moraga. This is necessary for projects where building is planned in the area of grading or the grading is in close proximity to buildings.

If any grading is occurring during the winter, a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) and erosion control plan must be reviewed by the Town Engineer for consistency with the regulations in MMC Section 14.48.

Lastly, all construction work, including retaining wall repair or replacement, must comply with the Moraga Municipal Code Title 14. This ensures that the construction work meets the required safety standards and is in line with the town's regulations.

Navigating the permitting process can be complex, but at Quality Retaining Walls, we're here to help. With our extensive experience and knowledge of the local regulations, we can guide you through each step of the process, ensuring your project is carried out safely and legally.