Ventura County, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Freestanding retaining wall
- no height limit
- Driveway sight triangle
- 3 ft maximum
- Permit trigger
- Zoning Clearance over 3 ft
- Wall plus fence on top
- 10 ft combined max
Summary
Structural retaining walls in unincorporated Ventura County carry no height cap outside driveway sight triangles, but a Zoning Clearance is required once a wall exceeds three feet.
Structural retaining walls to stabilize a bank or protect a cut below grade do not have a height limit, unless the walls are located within a ten-foot by ten-foot right triangle on each side of a driveway adjacent to a street, in which case the retaining wall cannot exceed three (3) feet tall as measured in accordance with Section 8106-8.1.4 of this Chapter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, structural retaining walls are not subject to the setback regulations of Sections 8106-1.1 and 8106-1.2 of this Chapter. Where a fence is installed on top of a retaining wall, the total combined height of the retaining wall and the fence shall not exceed ten (10) feet tall as measured from the side of the fence with the lower grade to the top of the fence. Fences installed on top of retaining walls shall meet the setback regulations of Sections 8106-1.1 and 8106-1.2 and the fence regulations of Section 8106-8.1 of this Article. See photographic examples and Figure 2 below.
Figure 2 Figure 2
(Ord. No. 4606, § 3, 11-1-2022)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
County Ordinance Code § 8106-8.1.7 lets a structural retaining wall that stabilizes a bank or protects a cut below grade rise without a height limit, except within the 10-by-10-foot driveway sight triangle, where it is capped at three feet. A Zoning Clearance is required for any retaining wall over three feet measured from lower grade, or one supporting a surcharge, under § 8106-8.1.2. If a fence sits atop the wall, the combined height cannot exceed ten feet.
Violations & Fines
Retaining wall violations of Article 6 are misdemeanor/infractions under County Code §§ 13 and 13.1, and are also enforceable through civil penalties under Article 14, prosecuted by the Planning Director or Code Compliance Director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a height limit on retaining walls in unincorporated Ventura County?
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.