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.
Burbank regulates retaining walls to ensure structural safety and proper drainage. Walls up to 4 feet typically do not require a permit. Walls over 4 feet require a building permit and may need engineered plans stamped by a licensed professional engineer. Surcharge loads from driveways, structures, or slopes above the wall may lower the permit-free threshold. Drainage behind the wall is critical and must be addressed in design. Setback requirements apply to retaining walls near property lines.
Unpermitted walls: stop-work order, required engineering review, potential demolition. Fines $200 to $1,000.
Burbank, CA
Outdoor burning in Burbank is subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn days and seasonal restrictions (November–February). Open burning of household trash is proh...
Burbank, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Burbank Fire Department enforces brush clearance in hillside areas ...
Burbank, CA
All fireworks — including Safe & Sane — are banned in Burbank. Violations result in confiscation plus citation or arrest. State penalties: $500–$1,000 fine a...
Burbank, CA
Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted in Burbank. Wood-burning fire pits subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn day restrictions. Areas near the Ver...
Burbank, CA
Burbank does NOT operate a proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program. The City launched a Housing Enforcement Unit (HEU) in March 2025 to investigate compl...
Burbank, CA
Outdoor lighting that creates a nuisance to neighboring properties may be addressed through Burbank's general nuisance provisions. No specific foot-candle th...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle retaining walls.
See how Burbank's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.