Retaining Wall Permits in San Diego: The Complete Guide

Are you interested in remodeling your backyard with a retaining wall or fence?

Have you heard about the legal headaches of obtaining a permit for a backyard remodeling project in San Diego?

It is true that many backyard retaining wall projects will require a city permit. City of San Diego retaining wall permits are required for complex structures. However, with just a little bit of knowledge and expertise, you can still make this project work for your property in a snap.

In this guide to retaining wall permits, we will walk you through everything you need to know to determine if obtaining a permit is necessary for your project, or if outside expertise should be involved. Our advice about retaining wall permits will start you on the right path.

What Is a Retaining Wall?

So what exactly is a retaining wall? The primary purpose of the retaining wall is to keep up a plot of land or soil.

The aim of this type of construction is to change the elevation or grade in a plot of land. This helps to increase accessibility for other backyard features or home redevelopment.

If you are interested in putting in a retaining wall, you will need to think about several important issues. One of the first things to consider is the type of soil to be used.

Depending on the shape and texture of the soil, you may need a particular type of retaining wall. Certain soils are heavier than others while some soils can compact better.

You’ll also need to think about the slope or grade of the ground you wish to put the wall up for. Finally, the height of your wall will also be important in determining its structure and materials. With each of these factors in mind, you can easily decide which type of fence or retaining wall will be best for your purposes.

There are many different types of retaining walls. Some of these include concrete walls that are poured into place. Other walls that are common are sheet pile walls or masonry block walls, but there are many others.

Each of these walls can be designed for a specific purpose depending on the owner’s needs. For owners who need a larger or taller wall, it may be necessary to involve an engineer or other specialist before construction.

Experts in this area are known as soil engineers or geologists. These professionals can ensure that the wall you wish to put up is adequate for the amount of soil it is intended to hold.

Do I Need a Permit?

If you are hoping to build a retaining wall to change or remodel your property, you may need to think about obtaining a permit. It is not always the case that you will need a permit, but it is essential to think about.

Generally speaking, a permit is typically required by local municipalities when major alterations to a property structure take place.

Another important consideration is to think about whether or not an engineer needs to be involved based on the project’s goals. There are some instances when a homeowner may be able to get away without a permit.

When starting to think about a project such as a retaining wall, property owners should check with their local government or municipal hall for relevant information. And if an engineer is in the budget, homeowners should involve them whenever possible to improve the project outcome.

There are different types of permits, and the specific type of permit that you will need will depend on the wall and the surrounding property features.

You also need to think about local regulations and building codes in your city as well as the safety and environmental impacts on the surrounding land.

Depending on the structure that you hope to build, there can be a tremendous impact on the local environment that an engineer or other professional can help you avoid.

Local codes and regulations will dictate if your project requires a construction permit, and if so, which type you will need. Most cities, including San Diego, have specified laws and legislation about length and size features of the retaining wall placed in the backyard.

If you make the effort to involve a soil engineer, they will ensure that your project meets the local codes based on professional research.

What Are the Laws for Permits in San Diego?

In general, there are some key features that property owners should be aware of when designing the wall that will most likely require obtaining a permit.

Fortunately, the city of San Diego has given clear guidance on when and how to obtain a permit for a retaining wall or fence.

City guidelines require permits for fences that are over 7 feet in height require a permit. Retaining walls will require a permit if they are over 3 feet in height.

If a wall is supporting a backfill slope that is steeper than 1.5 horizontal : 1 vertical, it will require a permit.

If the wall supports excess loads, the design needs a permit.

If the wall serves to impound a flammable liquid, a permit is necessary.

And finally, if the wall is a tiered structure and the wall exceeds the 2:1 slope stability plane ratio, the owner will need a permit.

How We Can Help Obtain San Diego Retaining Wall Permits

As you can see there are some important considerations for remodeling a backyard locally. San Diego retaining wall permits are required for larger, more complex projects. However, with a little bit of guidance and outside expertise, projects like these can be designed efficiently and successfully.

If you are interested in putting in a retaining wall or fence in your home, we want to help. Designs 4 You help to provide full assistance and engineering expertise with new constructions in your backyard.

Our staff is highly qualified and will help you to obtain any permits required for your project. We want to serve you by taking the legal hassle out of an otherwise exciting remodeling project.

Please contact us today to see how we might be able to partner with you on your next project.