Ventura, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Ventura adopts the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 California Code of Regulations) on the tri-annual cycle through SBMC Title 9, with local amendments. The state-prescribed threshold for retaining-wall permits is in CRC §R105.2 and CBC §105: any retaining wall over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or any retaining wall supporting a surcharge (sloped backfill, vehicular loading, structures, swimming pools, etc.) regardless of height, requires a building permit. Permits require submitted plans, structural calculations stamped by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer, a soils/geotechnical report when site conditions warrant, and grading/drainage details. The City's Form BS 322 (Block Wall/Fence Submittal Requirements) lists what plans must include — wall location and elevations, footing details, reinforcement schedule, drainage provisions, and engineered calculations. Walls combined with fences require the combined height to be measured for sight-distance and zoning purposes (Ventura Public Works Sight Distance Brochure). Coastal-zone retaining walls and any wall on a bluff face require Coastal Development Permit review under the Coastal Zoning Code. Hillside lots and areas near the Santa Clara River corridor face additional geotechnical scrutiny due to liquefaction and flood-zone concerns.