Moorpark, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Combined max
- 6 feet, wall plus retaining wall
- Buffer exception
- 5-ft landscape buffer separates heights
- Citation
- § 17.24.030(A)
- Construction standard
- Must meet Chapter 15.08 building code
Summary
Moorpark limits a retaining wall used to raise usable lot area, combined with any fence or wall on top, to six feet total unless a five-foot landscape buffer separates the two structures.
A wall, fence, retaining wall or any combination thereof, shall not exceed six feet in height except as herein provided. When a retaining wall is used to increase usable lot area, the sum total of any combination of fence or wall and retaining wall shall not exceed six feet in height, unless a five foot landscape area is provided between the retaining wall and the fence or wall. When the five foot landscape area is provided, each individual fence or wall or retaining wall shall not exceed six feet in height (see below).
B. Where there is a grade difference between two properties that share a common property line fence/wall, the fence/wall height shall be measured from the highest finish grade, provided that the distance from the lower grade to the top of the fence shall not exceed 10 feet. Where the height of 10 feet would be exceeded, the requirements of subsection A of this section shall be met.
C. Fences and walls may be allowed in required front yard area up to six feet in height; however, the last three feet of the fence or wall shall be constructed of visually open and decorative fencing (at least 75% open, see below), unless the wall is a retaining wall or additional height is approved for noise attenuation purposes.
D.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978490; v10 updated 2026-07-01).
Full Breakdown
Moorpark Municipal Code § 17.24.030(A) treats a retaining wall the same as any other wall or fence for height purposes: no wall, fence, retaining wall, or combination of the three may exceed six feet. Where a retaining wall increases usable lot area and a fence or wall sits atop it, the combined height still tops out at six feet, unless the property provides a five-foot landscape buffer between the retaining wall and the fence or wall above it, in which case each structure may independently reach six feet. Section 17.24.030(K) also requires retaining walls to be built to Chapter 15.08 building code standards and kept in good repair.
Violations & Fines
A combined retaining wall and fence exceeding six feet without the required five-foot landscape buffer is a zoning violation; the city can order the excess height removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a 6-foot retaining wall with a 6-foot fence on top in Moorpark?
Do Moorpark retaining walls need to meet building code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Moorpark
California rules heatmap·Compare Moorpark to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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