San Clemente limits residential retaining walls to 3 feet 6 inches in front-yard setbacks and 6 feet elsewhere, rising to 8 feet 6 inches when the wall faces toward the subject property. Stepped walls and guardrails have added rules.
SCMC Section 17.24.180 governs retaining walls. In residential zones, Table 17.24.180 caps front-yard setback walls at 3 feet 6 inches. Interior side-yard, rear-yard and other lot areas are limited to 6 feet, except a wall facing the subject property may reach 8 feet 6 inches. On corner lots the street-side yard is 3 feet 6 inches within 5 feet of the property line and 6 feet for the rest. Height is measured from the lower side of finished grade. Stepped walls may substitute for one tall wall if each meets the table limit and the separation equals or exceeds the taller wall's height. A building permit is required for walls over 4 feet, carrying a surcharge, or on steep slopes.
A retaining wall exceeding the SCMC 17.24.180 height limits without a Minor Exception Permit, or built without a required building permit, is a violation. Walls over 4 feet or on steep slopes are reviewed by engineering and planning (949-366-4705).
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