Retaining walls over 3 feet in height require a building permit from LADBS. A privacy fence may be placed on top of a retaining wall but the combined height cannot exceed 6 feet. Walls must maintain 3-foot horizontal spacing between tiers. Hillside retaining walls have additional engineering and grading permit requirements.
Los Angeles regulates retaining walls to ensure structural safety and proper drainage. Walls up to 4 feet typically do not require a permit. Walls over 4 feet require a building permit and may need engineered plans stamped by a licensed professional engineer. Surcharge loads from driveways, structures, or slopes above the wall may lower the permit-free threshold. Drainage behind the wall is critical and must be addressed in design. Setback requirements apply to retaining walls near property lines.
Unpermitted walls: stop-work order, required engineering review, potential demolition. Fines $200 to $1,000.
Los Angeles, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle retaining walls.
See how Los Angeles's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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