Palmdale, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Terracing trigger
- Retaining wall over 3 feet on lower parcel
- Tier spacing
- Minimum 3 feet between tiers, must be landscaped
- Required material
- Masonry: brick, concrete, or paver block
- Permit threshold
- Building permit required if wall exceeds 6 feet
- Relief option
- Minor exception or variance under PMC Ch. 17.23
Summary
Palmdale requires a retaining wall on the lower of two adjoining parcels to be terraced whenever it exceeds three feet in height, with at least a three-foot landscaped gap between tiers. Retaining walls citywide must be built of masonry, such as brick, concrete, or paver block, under Municipal Code Section 17.86.040.
(d) When there is a difference in the ground level between two adjoining parcels, the fence or wall height shall be measured pursuant to PMC Chapter 17.17 (Rules of Measurement). If there is a retaining wall on the lower parcel, if it is more than three feet in height, it shall be terraced. ... (6) Retaining Walls. Retaining walls shall be constructed of masonry material such as brick, concrete, or paver block.
Full Breakdown
17 (Rules of Measurement), and if a retaining wall on the lower parcel is more than three feet in height, it must be terraced. The tiering standard set out in subsection (B) applies to any tiered wall citywide: the horizontal distance between tiers must be a minimum of three feet, and that gap has to be landscaped. Subsection (C)(6) sets the material standard for every retaining wall in the city, regardless of zone: retaining walls shall be constructed of masonry material such as brick, concrete, or paver block, ruling out wood, chain-link, or other non-masonry construction.
040(A), any retaining wall over six feet in height still needs a building permit under the general rule that applies to fences, walls, and screening. 23 (Variances and Minor Exceptions) rather than build a noncompliant wall.
Violations & Fines
A retaining wall over three feet built without terracing on a graded lot line, or built of non-masonry material, does not meet PMC Section 17.86.040 and is subject to Code Enforcement action requiring correction. Skipping the required building permit for a retaining wall over six feet is a separate zoning violation that can force removal or retrofit at the owner's cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my retaining wall need to be terraced?
What material can I use for a retaining wall in Palmdale?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palmdale
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Retaining Walls in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle retaining walls.