Monterey, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Monterey City Code § 38-26(E), Fences and Retaining Walls, sets the rule that applies across all R districts. The combined height of a retaining wall and a separate fence sitting on the same property line cannot exceed eight feet, unless the fence is set back from the top of the retaining wall by at least half the required setback distance, capped at a five-foot setback. Regardless of any retaining wall's height, a fence by itself can never exceed six feet. If a retaining wall sits on one property and a fence sits on the abutting property, the fence is still limited to six feet no matter how tall the neighboring retaining wall is.

The section separately requires a Use Permit from the Planning Commission for any retaining wall taller than six feet located within a required yard, meaning a homeowner cannot build a tall retaining wall in a front, side or rear setback area as a matter of right. These standards sit alongside the base zoning district's own fence and wall rules, such as the R-1 district's six-foot general fence cap and four-foot cap in a reverse-corner front or side yard adjoining a street, and the driveway visibility (sight-line) requirements of Article 18 that corner-lot fences and walls must also satisfy, with Traffic Committee review for corner lots.