Retaining Walls: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do retaining walls rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Retaining walls over 4 feet in Berkeley require a building permit and engineered design, with extra scrutiny in Berkeley Hills where seismic and slope stability are critical concerns.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Under the 2022 California Building Code as adopted by San Leandro in SLMC Title 7 Chapter 7-5 (Building Code), a building permit is required for any retaining wall over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or for any wall of any height that supports a surcharge (such as a slope or driveway above the wall).
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Permit threshold | Over 4 feet | - |
| Engineering | Licensed engineer required | - |
| Hillside concern | Seismic landslide zones | - |
| Drainage | Required behind wall | - |
| Historic walls | Often non-conforming | - |
| Code Section | - | SLMC 7-5 adopting CBC 105.2 |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 4 ft (footing to top) OR any wall with surcharge |
| Engineering Required | - | Walls over 6 ft total height |
| Department | - | Building & Safety Division |
| Contact | - | (510) 577-3405 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I build a 3-foot stacked-stone wall without a permit?
Generally yes, if it supports no surcharge (no driveway, patio, or structure above). Check with Permit Service Center first.
Do I need soils testing for a hillside wall?
Yes, most Berkeley Hills sites require geotechnical investigation for any significant retaining structure.
San Leandro FAQ
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in San Leandro?
Yes if the wall is more than 4 feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, OR if it retains a slope, driveway, pool, or any other surcharge regardless of height. Walls 4 feet or less without a surcharge are exempt under CBC 105.2 as adopted in SLMC 7-5.
Can I build a retaining wall on my property line?
Yes, but a wall on or near a property line still needs to meet the zoning rules in SLMC Article 6 for combined wall-plus-fence height (typically 6 feet rear/side, 42 inches front), and a survey is recommended. Walls over 4 feet need a permit even on a property line.
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