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Shasta Lake · Building on your lot

Building on a hillside in Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake'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 Shasta Lake Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Shasta Lake's code says

Shasta Lake code What Shasta Lake's code adds
Soils or geology report
  • Geotechnical report needed for projects needing planning commission approval, when the building code requires, or as the director recommends.
    Applies: Grading permit applications; the director may waive it for a project too minor to threaten public health and safety.
    § 15.08.090 · code text
    A geotechnical report shall be provided for all projects requiring discretionary approval by the planning commission, or as required pursuant to the California Building Code, or as otherwise recommended by the development services director or his or her designee.
Grading and retaining walls
  • No cuts or fills higher than 6 feet.
    Applies: Hillside areas, unless the planning commission approves another design.
    § 15.08.270 · code text
    No cuts or fills higher than six feet shall be allowed within hillside areas unless an alternative design is approved by the planning commission.
  • Retaining walls are typically 5 feet or less.
    Applies: Hillside development.
    § 15.08.270 · code text
    Retaining walls shall typically have a height of five feet or less.
  • Use plantable walls instead of retaining walls taller than 6 feet.
    Applies: Hillside development.
    § 15.08.270 · code text
    Plantable walls shall be used instead of retaining walls above six feet in height.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in Shasta Lake?

Shasta Lake's code: No cuts or fills higher than 6 feet. (Hillside areas, unless the planning commission approves another design.) (§ 15.08.270); Retaining walls are typically 5 feet or less. (Hillside development.) (§ 15.08.270).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Shasta Lake's building on a hillside rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Shasta Lake Municipal Code — full text