Sacramento County, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Max retaining wall
- 4 feet under interior fence
- Combo trigger
- over 7 feet needs Minor Use Permit
- Applies to
- side-street and interior yard combos
- Height measured from
- higher adjoining grade
Summary
Retaining walls combined with fences on side-street or interior lot lines in unincorporated Sacramento County are capped at four feet for the wall, and a Minor Use Permit is required once the combination tops seven feet.
Side Street Yards. Fences shall not exceed seven feet in height. Retaining wall and fence combinations that exceed seven feet in height may be permitted with the issuance of a Minor Use Permit. Interior Yards in All Zones. Fences shall not exceed seven feet, unless otherwise noted in Section 5.2.5.B.6., and may be located on a retaining wall not to exceed four feet in height.
Full Breakdown
Zoning Code Section 5.2.5.B caps a retaining wall under an interior-yard fence at four feet in height, with the fence measured from the wall's top. On side street yards, a retaining wall and fence combination that exceeds seven feet total height may be permitted only with a Minor Use Permit. Fence height at interior property lines is measured from the higher of the adjoining grades or the finished grade of the yard setback.
Violations & Fines
A retaining wall and fence combination built past seven feet without the required Minor Use Permit is a zoning violation and can be ordered modified or removed by code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a retaining wall be under my interior fence?
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall and fence combination over seven feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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