Madera County, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Retaining walls in unincorporated Madera County are regulated under County Code Title 14 (Building Code), which adopts the California Building Code in Section 14.04.030 and amends it in Chapter 14.08. The California Building Code's permit-exemption list (Section 105.2) does not require a building permit for retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall-unless the wall supports a surcharge (an added load such as a slope, driveway, parking area, or structure) or impounds flammable liquids. Any wall taller than 4 feet, or any wall holding back a surcharge, requires a building permit and typically engineered plans from the County's Building Division. Title 14 also adds Madera-specific requirements such as grading and erosion control under Chapter 14.50, which can apply to the earthwork associated with a retaining wall. Placement of a wall must also respect the zoning setback and vision-clearance provisions in Title 18, Chapter 18.98. Because heights are measured from the bottom of the footing, a wall that looks short above grade can still exceed the 4-foot permit threshold. Verify with Madera County Building Services for any specific site.