Retaining walls over 3 feet (from footing to top) require a building permit under SDMC 129.0202. Walls supporting a surcharge need a permit regardless of height. Engineering calculations by a licensed professional required for walls over 3 feet. Multiple tiered walls must comply with spacing requirements.
Under SDMC 129.0202, retaining walls over 3 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a building permit. Any retaining wall supporting a surcharge (additional load from a structure, driveway, fence, or soil above) requires a permit regardless of height. Walls over 3 feet must be designed by a licensed civil or structural engineer. Multiple tiered retaining walls must be spaced apart at a distance equal to or greater than the height of the taller wall to be considered separate structures; otherwise they are measured as a single wall. Drainage provisions (weep holes or drain tile) are required behind all retaining walls. In hillside areas and the Environmentally Sensitive Lands overlay zone, additional geotechnical requirements may apply. Retaining walls combined with fences on top have a combined maximum height determined by zoning regulations.
Work without a permit subject to double fees. Non-compliant walls may be ordered removed at owner's expense. Unsafe retaining walls may trigger emergency abatement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle retaining walls.
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