Pico Rivera, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Section 15.08.020's Section 105.2 lists retaining walls among the building work exempt from a permit, but only "retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall," and only if the wall does not support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids; a taller wall, or one carrying either of those loads, falls back under Section 105.1's general rule and needs a building permit and engineered plans before construction begins.

Retaining walls tied to earthwork also intersect Chapter 38, Grading, added at Section 15.08.220: Section 3810.3 confirms that separate permits and fees apply to retaining walls beyond any grading permit fee, and Section 3809.1 requires a grading permit for any grading not otherwise exempted, with engineered grading, meaning plans prepared and signed by a civil engineer, required once grading exceeds 2,500 cubic yards or the Community and Economic Development Director finds special site hazards such as unstable soils. Section 3814 sets minimum horizontal setbacks for cut and fill slopes from property lines, factors the Director weighs when a retaining wall is proposed near a boundary line or a steep slope requiring extra drainage or terracing.