California Building Code under Title 24 universally requires permits and engineering for retaining walls over four feet measured from the bottom of the footing, applying statewide regardless of local variation.
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) Section 105 requires a building permit for any retaining wall over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or for any wall supporting a surcharge. Walls in seismic design categories must include engineered drainage and reinforcement per Chapter 18. The code is adopted statewide, and while cities may add stricter requirements, they cannot weaken the four-foot threshold or engineering standards. Walls retaining hazardous liquids or supporting structures always require permits.
Building without a required permit can trigger stop work orders, double permit fees, mandatory engineering review, and orders to remove or rebuild noncompliant walls. Failure modes also expose owners to neighbor liability under Civil Code negligence rules.
Folsom, CA
Folsom follows California Vehicle Code §22651(k) — any vehicle parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours may be cited and towed. Parking i...
Folsom, CA
Folsom Municipal Code restricts RV and boat parking on residential streets and driveways. RVs and trailers may generally not be stored in front yards or on p...
Folsom, CA
Folsom participates in the Sacramento County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program. Vehicles abandoned on public or private property can be reported to Folsom ...
Folsom, CA
Folsom requires an encroachment permit for new or modified driveway approaches. Driveway width, sight distance, and curb cuts are regulated under Public Work...
Folsom, CA
Garage sale signs in Folsom may be posted only on the sale property itself with the owner's consent. Signs on utility poles, traffic signs, landscape medians...
Folsom, CA
Folsom permits small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes in all residential zones as a matter of right, consistent with Cal...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how Folsom's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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