Anaheim exempts retaining walls up to 4 feet from building permits unless supporting a surcharge. Walls visible from public areas must include landscaping per AMC 18.46.110. Height measured from bottom of footing to top.
Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall are exempt from building permits unless they support a surcharge or slope. AMC Section 18.46.110 establishes specific measurement rules for crib and retaining walls under subsection .120. All crib walls and retaining walls visible to public rights-of-way, public trails, private streets, or adjacent residential properties must be constructed with landscaping and irrigation facilities. Landscaping of retaining walls shall include a combination of shrubs, non-deciduous vines, and trees planted and maintained to screen the retaining wall from public view. Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineering by a licensed professional and a building permit. Drainage behind retaining walls must be addressed to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup.
Unpermitted retaining wall over 4 feet: stop-work order. Failure to landscape visible walls: code enforcement notice. Structural failure due to improper drainage: liability.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
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