Carson, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt height
- up to 4 feet
- Measured from
- footing bottom to wall top
- Exception voids exemption
- surcharge or hazardous liquids
- Governing section
- CMC § 8103(a)(7)
Summary
Carson, California exempts retaining walls up to four feet tall (footing to top) from a building permit, unless the wall supports a surcharge or holds back hazardous liquids.
Retaining walls that retain not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.
(8) Ground-mounted radio and television antenna towers that do not exceed 45 feet in height and ground-supported dish antennas not exceeding 15 feet in height above finished grade in any position.
(9) Light standards which do not exceed 30 feet (9,144 mm) in height.
(10) Flagpoles not erected upon a building and not more than 15 feet (4,572 mm) high.
(11) Tanks not storing hazardous material as defined in the Fire Code provided that:
(i) Steel tanks are supported on a foundation not more than two feet (610 mm) above grade and the overall height to diameter or width does not exceed 1 1/2 times the diameter.
(ii) Water tanks constructed of materials other than steel, including cisterns and rain barrels, are supported directly on grade, the overall height to diameter or width does not exceed 1 1/2 times the diameter, and the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18, 925 L).
(12) Gantry cranes and similar equipment.
(13) Motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery. Buildings or structures constructed as part of a set or as scenery shall not be occupied or used for any other purpose.
(14) A playhouse or tree house provided that:
(i)
Full Breakdown
Carson Municipal Code § 8103(a)(7) exempts a retaining wall from the building permit requirement if it retains no more than four feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, but the exemption does not apply if the wall supports a surcharge, such as a slope, structure, or parking load above it, or impounds Class I, II, or III-A liquids. A taller or surcharge-loaded retaining wall needs a building permit with engineered plans reviewed by the Building Official under § 8102.
Violations & Fines
Building a retaining wall over four feet, or one bearing a surcharge, without a permit violates CMC § 8109 and is punishable under Article 1, Chapters 2 and 2.5 of the Carson Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my retaining wall be without a permit in Carson?
Does the height exemption apply if the wall holds up a slope above it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Retaining Walls in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle retaining walls.