Ventura County, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Section 8106-8.1.7 of the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance governs retaining walls in unincorporated Ventura County. Structural retaining walls built to stabilize a bank or protect a cut below grade do not have a height limit, unless they are located within a 10-foot by 10-foot right triangle on each side of a driveway adjacent to a street, in which case the wall cannot exceed 3 feet tall. Structural retaining walls are not subject to the building setback regulations of Sections 8106-1.1 and 8106-1.2. Where a fence is installed on top of a retaining wall, the total combined height of the wall plus the fence cannot exceed 10 feet, measured from the side of the fence with the lower grade to the top of the fence; the fence itself must still meet applicable setback and fence rules. Per Section 8106-8.1.2, a Zoning Clearance is required for any retaining wall over 3 feet in height (measured from grade on the lower side to the top of the wall) or any wall supporting a surcharge (an added structural load). Section 8106-7.6 confirms that structural retaining walls may be installed above the normal fence height limits subject to the 3-foot driveway-sight-triangle restriction. A building permit from Building and Safety is generally required for engineered retaining walls under the California Building Code.