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

Santa Clara regulates retaining walls through the California Building Code adopted in City Code Chapter 15. Building permits are required for any retaining wall exceeding 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or for any wall of any height supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure, slope, or stored material above the wall). Walls under 4 feet retaining only level ground may typically be built without a permit but still must comply with setback and drainage rules. Permit applications require signed structural engineering plans for walls over 4 feet, geotechnical reports for walls over 6 feet or in areas with expansive clay soils common in parts of Santa Clara, and drainage provisions to prevent water accumulation behind the wall. Walls must be set back at least 3 feet from rear and side property lines unless a recorded easement permits otherwise. Walls in Santa Clara Valley flood overlay zones or near Guadalupe River require Santa Clara Valley Water District review. Combination retaining walls and fences that jointly exceed 8 feet may require additional variance approvals.