Monterey Park, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Table 21.08(D), Maximum Heights of Walls, Fences, Hedges, sets the same numbers for retaining walls as for ordinary fences in Monterey Park's residential zones under § 21.08.080(R): a retaining wall protecting a cut, or one protecting a fill, is capped at 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in the side and rear yards. Two follow-on rules refine those figures. Under § 21.08.080(R)(2), where a retaining wall protects a cut below natural grade and sits within three feet of a side property line, it may be topped by a fence, wall or hedge of whatever height would otherwise be allowed at that location as if the retaining wall were not there.

Under § 21.08.080(R)(3), where the retaining wall contains fill, a fence, solid wall or hedge on top of it is allowed only if the combined height of the retaining wall and the topping structure stays at or under 6 feet in the side and rear yards, measured from natural grade, and 4 feet in the front yard, measured from the front property line. Separately, the code's definition of "Building pad" at § 21.04.173 caps a retaining wall built to enlarge a building pad at 3 feet in overall height, measured from the foundation top to the wall top, unless the Planning Commission approves something taller. Sight-line clearance at street and driveway intersections must still be maintained under § 21.08.080(R)(4), subject to City Engineer approval.