Santa Barbara, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The City of Santa Barbara treats retaining walls under both its building-permit and zoning rules. Per the City's Work Exempt From Permit handout, residential retaining walls and non-retaining walls (including masonry and concrete) not over four feet (4') in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are exempt from a building permit, unless the wall supports a surcharge or impounds flammable liquids, in which case a permit is required. For zoning height purposes, the City's Fence, Screen, Wall and Hedge Guidelines state that where fences, screens, walls or hedges are located on retaining walls, the portion of the retaining wall above finished grade is counted as part of the overall height of the fence or wall. The presence of a retaining wall or series of retaining walls is one factor that may warrant an Administrative exception to allow additional height within setbacks. Design review is triggered for taller retaining walls: under SBMC 22.69.020.C.7, the construction, alteration or addition of a retaining wall that is six feet (6') or greater in height must be referred to the Single Family Design Board for single-family residential properties.