Under the California Building Code adopted by Lincoln Municipal Code Title 15, retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or any retaining wall supporting a surcharge such as a driveway, slope, or structure, require a building permit and engineered drawings from the City of Lincoln Building Division.
Lincoln's Building Division applies the California Building Code (CBC) adopted under Title 15 of the Lincoln Municipal Code. CBC Section 105.2 exempts retaining walls 'not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge,' meaning anything taller or any wall holding back a driveway, slope, or other load requires a permit. Permit submittals typically include engineered structural plans, soils information, and drainage details. Grading and drainage on the lot are also reviewed under the City's grading requirements. The Permit Center processes these applications at 600 6th Street.
Building an unpermitted retaining wall over 4 feet or supporting a surcharge is a building code violation, exposing the owner to stop-work orders, double permit fees, removal orders, and code enforcement citations. Failed walls can also create civil liability for damage to neighboring property.
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