Arcadia, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The City of Arcadia, California does not print a numeric maximum height for retaining walls in its fence and wall standards. Section 9103.05.030(A)(3) says the need for any retaining walls and/or fences, and their heights, is determined by the Director and the Building Official through the Site Plan Review process, and that an administrative modification is not required for retaining walls and/or fences where there is a grade difference between the abutting property. New fences, walls and gates are subject to Site Plan and Design Review under Section 9107.19 (§ 9103.05.020).

Division 9 defines a retaining wall as a wall not laterally supported at the top that resists lateral soil load and other imposed loads. Where grade differs between properties, § 9103.05.030(B) allows a fence, wall or gate a maximum height of six feet adjacent to the rear and property lines if it maintains a minimum setback equal to the difference in grade between the properties; in all other situations the wall height follows the zone provisions. For residential side and rear setback areas, § 9103.05.030(C)(5)(b) adds that if the grade has been altered due to previous grading, the finished grade is subject to review and approval by the Director.

Engineering enters at the subdivision stage: § 9105.09.050(A) requires a grading plan prepared and signed by a registered civil engineer and approved by the City Engineer before a Building Permit issues, and the plan must show the elevation height of all retaining or perimeter walls. After construction, § 9103.09.050(A) obliges the owner of any property, or any other person or agent in control of it, that has retaining walls, cribbing, drainage structures, planted slopes and other protective devices required by a permit or a grading permit to maintain them in good condition and repair at all times.