A building permit is required for all new, replacement and or repaired retaining walls as defined by the California Building Code CBC 105.2 Building 4 and the California Residential Code R105.2 Building 3.
If the wall is supporting a surcharge no matter the height, it will require a building permit.
CBC These retaining walls require a building permit: Retaining walls that are over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III A liquids.ode:
CRC These retaining walls require a building permit:
- Retaining walls that are over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or supporting a surcharge.
Fence / Wall & Gate Planning Department Approval
If the wall does not meet the requirements of a retaining wall and/or is a free standing wall that does not meet the requirements of a building permit, then a Planning permit may be required.
