Ventura County requires a Zoning Clearance for retaining walls over 3 feet in height (measured from grade on the lower side) or walls supporting a surcharge under §8106-8.1.2. Retaining wall heights are measured per the standards in §8106-8.1.4 and §8106-8.1.7.
Under §8106-8.1.2(a)(3), a Zoning Clearance is required for retaining walls over 3 feet measured from grade on the lower side to the top of the wall, and for any retaining wall supporting a surcharge (such as a driveway or structure above). Section 8106-8.1.7 provides specific height measurement standards for retaining walls. When a fence is placed on top of a retaining wall, the combined height is measured from the lower grade per §8106-8.1.4. Multiple tiered walls close together may be measured as a single wall for permit purposes. Retaining walls in hillside areas may require geotechnical investigation and engineered plans.
Building a retaining wall over 3 feet without a Zoning Clearance is a zoning violation. Code Compliance issues stop-work orders for unpermitted construction. Walls that fail or cause damage to adjacent properties create civil liability. Administrative penalties apply until the violation is corrected.
Ventura County, CA
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