Imperial County, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Over 4 feet in height
- Also triggers permit
- Surcharge or Class I-IIIA liquids
- Measured from
- Footing bottom to wall top
- Governing section
- § 90403.05(A)
Summary
Imperial County requires a construction permit for any retaining wall over four feet tall, or shorter if it holds back a surcharge or hazardous liquids.
A construction permit for the placement of a fence is required for the following: Retaining walls that are over four (4) feet (1219.2 mm) in height measured from bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or retaining walls that are supporting a sur-charge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids, regardless of the height.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Section 90403.05(A) of Imperial County's land use code requires a construction permit for any retaining wall in the unincorporated county that exceeds four feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. A permit is required regardless of height if the wall supports a surcharge load or impounds Class I, II or IIIA liquids. The section sits alongside the county's masonry-fence permit rule, which requires an engineer- or architect-designed plan under the 2019 California Building Code once a masonry wall passes four feet. The county's Planning and Development Services Department reviews the applications.
Violations & Fines
Building a retaining wall over four feet, or one holding back a surcharge or hazardous liquids, without a permit violates Imperial County Code § 90403.05(A) and can require removal or retrofit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Imperial County?
How is retaining wall height measured for the permit rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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