Pleasanton, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Retaining walls in Pleasanton are addressed by both the zoning code and the building code. Under PMC Section 18.84.090, walks, driveways, and retaining walls (along with fences, walls, and hedges not over six feet) are permitted to occupy a required side or rear yard. On the building-permit side, Pleasanton has adopted the California Residential Code, whose Section R105.2 exempts retaining walls that are not over four feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, from a building permit, unless the wall supports a surcharge (an additional load such as a slope, structure, or driveway above) or impounds flammable liquids. A retaining wall taller than four feet, or one supporting a surcharge, requires an engineered building permit. A common point of confusion is how a fence stacked on top of a retaining wall is treated; because Pleasanton generally measures fence height from the higher adjacent finished grade, homeowners should confirm with the Planning Division how the combined wall-plus-fence height will be calculated against the zoning limit for their yard and district. Because retaining-wall requirements interact with grading, drainage, and geotechnical conditions, larger or slope-supporting walls typically need plans and engineering review.