Fresno County, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Retaining walls under 3 ft
- Exempt from Zoning setback rules
- Building Permit trigger
- Within 4 ft of footing bottom or surcharge
- Grading over 1,000 cu. yd.
- Needs licensed Civil Engineer's plan
- Plan review fee
- Separate fee for retaining walls applies
- Enforcing office
- Grading Official, Public Works & Planning
Summary
Fresno County exempts retaining walls under three feet above finished grade from its Zoning Ordinance setback rules, but a wall located within four feet of the bottom of its footing, or one that supports a surcharge at any height, still requires a Building Permit under Section 804.1.030.B.10.
10. Walls, retaining walls. Walls located within four feet from the bottom of a footing or at any height supporting a surcharge shall require a Building Permit.
Full Breakdown
10 carves retaining walls back out of that exemption: a wall located within four feet of the bottom of its footing, or a wall of any height supporting a surcharge, triggers a mandatory Building Permit rather than proceeding as an exempt accessory structure. b exempts retaining walls under three feet above finished grade from the Zoning Ordinance's minimum yard setback requirements, so a short retaining wall can sit inside the setback area that would otherwise apply to a building. K, confirms that separate Plan Review Fees apply to retaining walls or major drainage structures under the Master Schedule of Fees, on top of any standard Grading Permit fee.
H, grading exceeding 1,000 cubic yards, which can include the cut and fill needed to install a substantial retaining wall, must be performed as 'engineered grading' under a Grading Plan prepared by a licensed Civil Engineer and supported by a Soils Engineering Report and Engineering Geology Report; the Grading Official can require the same for smaller projects when geologic factors are a concern. Applications go to the Grading Official within the Department of Public Works and Planning, and plans must be signed by an individual licensed by the State when required.
Violations & Fines
Retaining walls built without the required Building Permit, or grading performed without the required Grading Permit and engineering review, violate Fresno County Code Chapter 15.28 and the Zoning Ordinance, enforceable by the Grading Official and the Department of Public Works and Planning. A wall built outside its zoning exemption can also draw the misdemeanor penalty in Zoning Ordinance Section 878.6.030: up to a $500 fine and 180 days in jail, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a low retaining wall in my backyard?
When does a retaining wall need an engineer?
Is there an extra fee for a retaining wall permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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