Retaining Walls: Altadena vs Burbank
How do retaining walls rules compare between Altadena, CA and Burbank, CA?
Altadena and Burbank have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Retaining walls in unincorporated LA County under 4 ft from footing to top are exempt from building permits unless supporting a surcharge. Walls in required yards cannot exceed 6 ft. In coastal areas, retaining walls must be terraced and landscaped with native species before the rainy season (Oct 15-Apr 15).
View full Altadena rules →Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Retaining walls under 4 ft (bottom of footing to top) are permit-exempt unless supporting a surcharge. Front yard setback allows max 4 ft combined fence/retaining wall height. Only two retaining walls per front yard, min 8 ft apart (6 ft with Director approval). All downslope walls must be screened with vegetation.
View full Burbank rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Burbank |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Exempt | Under 4 ft height | Under 4 ft, no surcharge |
| Yard Maximum | 6 ft in required setbacks | - |
| Coastal | Must terrace and landscape | - |
| Engineering | Soils report for taller walls | - |
| Front Yard Max | - | 4 ft combined wall + fence |
| Max Count | - | 2 retaining walls in front yard |
| Spacing | - | Min 8 ft apart (6 ft with approval) |
| Screening | - | Vegetation required on downslope face |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in LA County?
Only if the wall exceeds 4 feet from footing to top. Walls over 4 feet need a building permit and engineered plans from a licensed engineer. Contact Building & Safety at (626) 458-3171.
Can I build multiple short walls instead of one tall one?
Tiered walls with less than the height of the lower wall between them are measured as a single wall for permit purposes. This prevents circumventing the 4-foot permit threshold.
What if my retaining wall is failing?
A failing retaining wall is a safety hazard. Contact Building & Safety at (626) 458-3171 immediately. You may need emergency repairs and a geotechnical evaluation. You are liable for damage to adjacent properties.
Burbank FAQ
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
In Burbank, walls over 4 feet typically require a building permit and engineered plans. Shorter walls may be exempt.
How close to the property line can I build a retaining wall?
Setback requirements vary. Check Burbank zoning code for specific distances from property lines.
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