Daly City, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- Over 48 in., or any height with surcharge/uphill slope
- Engineering
- Licensed professional engineer design + structural review
- Height measurement
- Bottom of footing to top of wall
- Wood walls
- Allowed under 48 in. for landscaping backfill only
- Easement walls
- Subject to removal if blocking utility access
Summary
Retaining walls in Daly City over 48 inches tall - or shorter walls supporting a surcharge or excavated uphill slope - require a building permit and design by a licensed professional engineer. Walls under 48 inches holding only landscaping backfill may be wood.
The height of a retaining wall is measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. A retaining wall typically supports a horizontal force of adjoining soil and/or adjoining structures or hillsides and in most cases, retaining walls are structures designed by a licensed professional engineer. Retaining walls less than forty-eight inches (48") in height may be constructed of wood, provided: 1. They sustain no loads other than backfill soil mainly used for landscaping. 2. They are constructed of pressure treated lumber or species naturally resistant to decay ... Retaining walls greater than forty-eight inches (48") in height or less than 48 inches in height and supports a surcharge or an excavated uphill slope requires a building permit and must be designed by a licensed professional engineer. Construction documents are required to be submitted for structural review. The difference between a fence to a retaining wall is that a fence supports is own weight.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Daly City's official Fences and Retaining Walls handout sets out the City's retaining-wall rules. The height of a retaining wall is measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unlike fences, which are measured from adjoining grade. A retaining wall supports the horizontal force of adjoining soil, structures, or hillsides, and in most cases must be designed by a licensed professional engineer. Walls less than 48 inches in height may be constructed of wood only if they sustain no loads other than landscaping backfill soil and use pressure-treated lumber or naturally decay-resistant species.
Walls greater than 48 inches - or under 48 inches but supporting a surcharge or an excavated uphill slope - require a building permit, professional engineering design, and submission of construction documents for structural review by the Building Division ((650) 991-8061). A retaining wall built over a City easement or in the public right-of-way also requires advance clearance from the Public Works/Engineering Division and possibly an encroachment permit; a permanent retaining wall that blocks access to a utility easement is subject to removal at the owner's expense.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted retaining walls over 48 inches or walls carrying a surcharge can receive stop-work orders and must be retroactively permitted with engineered plans or removed. Permanent retaining walls blocking utility easement access are subject to removal at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 3-foot retaining wall?
How is retaining wall height measured?
What is the difference between a fence and a retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Daly City
California rules heatmap·Compare Daly City 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 San Mateo County handle retaining walls.