Lodi adopts the California Building Code through LMC Chapter 15.04. Per CBC §105.2 (as adopted), retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall require a building permit. Walls supporting a surcharge (a slope, driveway, or structure above) require a permit at any height.
LMC Chapter 15.04 (Building Code) adopts the California Building Code (CBC) and California Residential Code as Lodi's building standards. Under CBC §105.2 Exemption 3 (mirrored in CRC §R105.2), a building permit is NOT required for retaining walls that are 4 feet or less in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall AND that are not supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids. Any wall over 4 feet or any wall holding back a slope, driveway, parking lot, or building load requires plans stamped by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer and a permit through the Lodi Building Division (221 W Pine St, 209-333-6711). Setbacks for retaining walls follow LMC Chapter 15.36 (Setback Lines) and the zoning-district yard requirements. Soils reports may be required for taller walls.
Building without a required permit triggers stop-work orders and double-fee permit reinstatement under CBC §109.4 (Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance). Administrative citation amounts under Cal. Gov. Code §36900(b): $100 / $200 / $500. Walls that fail and damage neighboring property create civil liability under California negligence law.
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