Turlock, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The City of Turlock does not have a stand-alone retaining-wall height number in its zoning ordinance. The Property Development Regulations at TMC 9-3-203 (note 8) set fence and wall heights generally - a 7-foot maximum, with 3 feet (solid) or 4 feet (non-solid) in required front and corner side yards - and the code's definition of "Grade" specifies that for fences the grade is the finished ground level of the primary building, and may be the higher of two adjoining properties, which matters where a wall retains a grade difference. Where a wall both retains earth and serves as a barrier, its above-grade portion counts toward the applicable fence-height limit. Beyond zoning, retaining walls are reviewed by the Building & Safety Division as structures. The city's Building & Safety guidance directs property owners with walls over 6 feet to contact the division about height and materials. Under the California Building Code, which the city adopts, a building permit is generally required for a retaining wall more than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and for any wall retaining a surcharge (added load) or supporting a slope regardless of height, because of structural and engineering concerns. Because the city has no published numeric retaining-wall standard of its own, confirm specific height, setback, and engineering requirements with the Turlock Building & Safety and Planning Divisions before construction, especially on sloped lots.