A fence on top of a retaining wall is allowed only when the combined height of wall plus fence does not exceed the applicable fence height limit in UCMC 18.32.040(A). Exposed exterior retaining wall faces must be architecturally treated.
Under UCMC Section 18.32.040, fencing on top of a retaining wall is permitted only when the total height of both the wall and fence together does not exceed the applicable maximum fence height for that location (for example, 6 feet in a rear or interior side yard). The sides of exposed exterior retaining walls must be architecturally treated. Structural retaining walls as defined by the California Building Code are reviewed under building codes rather than the fence handout and may require a separate building permit based on height and surcharge.
A combined wall-plus-fence assembly exceeding the location's fence height limit must be lowered or redesigned. Untreated exposed retaining wall faces may be cited.
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