Fullerton requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall). Walls over 4 feet also require engineered plans. Retaining walls combined with fences have combined height limits.
Under FMC and the California Building Code, retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall require a building permit and engineered structural plans prepared by a licensed civil or structural engineer. Retaining walls 4 feet or less that do not retain a surcharge (such as a driveway, structure, or slope) may be exempt from permits but must still meet code requirements. When a fence is placed on top of a retaining wall, the combined height is measured from the lower finished grade and must comply with the applicable fence height limits for the zoning district. Retaining walls in hillside areas of northern Fullerton may require additional geotechnical investigation and drainage plans. The Building Division reviews retaining wall plans as part of the grading permit process. Setback requirements apply based on the zoning district.
Building a retaining wall over 4 feet without a permit is a code violation subject to stop-work orders, fines, and required retroactive permitting with potential double fees. Unsafe walls may require demolition.
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