Retaining Walls: Burbank vs Santa Clarita
How do retaining walls rules compare between Burbank, CA and Santa Clarita, CA?
Burbank and Santa Clarita have similar restriction levels.
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 →Santa Clarita, CA
Los Angeles County
Retaining walls under 4 feet are generally permit-exempt. Santa Clarita's hillside areas frequently require engineered retaining walls with proper drainage.
View full Santa Clarita rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Santa Clarita |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Exempt | Under 4 ft, no surcharge | Under 4 ft, no surcharge |
| 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 | - |
| Over 4 ft | - | Building permit required |
| Hillside Areas | - | Engineering often required |
| Drainage | - | Must be properly managed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Santa Clarita FAQ
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
In Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita zoning code for specific distances from property lines.
Compare other topics
See how Burbank and Santa Clarita compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool