If you’re planning a retaining wall in San Francisco, you need more than design ideas. You need to know which retaining wall permits, codes, and approvals apply. This guide walks you through the key requirements, so your project stays on solid ground, both legally and structurally.
Why do you need a permit for a retaining wall?
In San Francisco, any retaining wall over 3 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) generally requires a building permit. Permits ensure:
- Structural safety. Walls must be engineered to resist soil pressure and seismic forces.
- Proper drainage. Approved details prevent water buildup that can cause failures.
- Code compliance. You’ll avoid costly retrofit orders and fines down the road.
Which agencies should you contact?
Before you break ground, you’ll need approval from several San Francisco departments. These departments include the Department of Building Inspection, the Planning Department, and Public Works.
- San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI). Your primary permitting office, SFDBI handles your structural plan check and permit.
- Planning Department. This department reviews zoning, property lines, or historic district concerns. You may need a planning review if your wall affects lot lines, property encroachments, or historic districts.
- Public Works. Projects adjacent to the public right-of-way (e.g., sidewalks, alleyways) often require additional approvals and encroachment permits.
When will your wall height trigger a permit requirement?
Not every retaining wall has to have a permit, although most of them do.
- Under 3 feet: No permit is needed if it doesn’t support a surcharge or surcharge loads (e.g., driveways, buildings).
- 3–6 feet: Requires a permit with standard plan review and engineered drawings.
- Over 6 feet: Additional geotechnical reports and reviews by SFDBI’s Structural Engineering Section may apply.
Design and documentation requirements
Before you can break ground, your permit application must include a clear set of design and technical documents. Each serves to demonstrate that your wall is safe, code-compliant, and well integrated into the site. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Site plan
Provide a scaled plan view showing the exact location of the proposed wall in relation to property lines, existing structures, and topography. Include contour lines or spot elevations both above and below the wall, and illustrate proposed grading changes. Arrows indicating runoff direction help plan reviewers understand how stormwater will move around and away from the wall.
2. Structural drawings
Submit engineered cross-sections and elevation views that detail the wall’s foundation, reinforcement, and overall dimensions. Typical details include footing width and depth, rebar size and spacing (for concrete or CMU walls), connection details for segmental block systems, and any geogrid layers. These drawings prove the wall can resist soil pressure, seismic loads, and surcharge loads such as driveways or buildings above.
3. Drainage layout
A dedicated drainage plan shows where perforated drain pipe, gravel backfill, and weep holes are located behind the wall. You’ll need to specify pipe diameter, gravel gradation, filter fabric placement, and the outlet point for water discharge. Proper drainage details prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup, which is a leading cause of retaining wall failure.
4. Materials specifications
List the exact materials you plan to use, including manufacturer, model, color, and finish. Whether it’s weather-resistant timber, interlocking concrete block (such as VERSA-LOK), natural stone, or poured concrete, reviewers need to see product data sheets or cut sheets. Include mortar mix designs or pinning hardware details for segmental systems so the integrity and longevity of your wall are clear.
Tip: Organize all documents into a single PDF, with a cover sheet listing each item. Incomplete or unclear submissions often trigger plan-check delays. Getting everything right the first time speeds up approval.
Common approval timelines and fees
- Plan check: 4–6 weeks, depending on complexity and SFDBI workload.
- Permit issuance: Once plan check comments are cleared, permits are typically issued within a week.
- Fees: Calculated based on valuation; retaining walls often range from $500 to $2,500 in permit fees.
Tips for a smooth permitting process
Before you submit your application, a little preparation can go a long way toward avoiding delays and unexpected hurdles. These tips will help you clear reviews, keep neighbors happy, and ensure all environmental requirements are met so your retaining wall permits move smoothly from plan check to approval.
1. Engage an engineer early.
Bringing a licensed civil or structural engineer on board before you finalize your design makes sure your drawings accurately reflect site conditions, including soil type, slope angle, and any surcharge loads. Early engineering input helps you avoid costly redesigns during plan check and reduces the risk of plan-review comments that delay your permit.
2. Coordinate with your neighbors.
Share your preliminary site plan with adjacent property owners to confirm boundary lines, easements, and any shared retaining structures. Obtaining informal sign-offs or written acknowledgments can prevent objections during the planning review and foster goodwill, especially when walls lie close to property lines.
3. Factor in environmental review.
If your site is on a steep hillside or falls within a designated Hillside District, you may need additional approvals, such as a Hillside Landscape Review or an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. Building in extra time for these environmental reviews and any required tree-protection plans will keep your overall schedule on track.
4. Prepare a complete, organized submittal.
Compile your site plan, structural drawings, drainage details, and materials specifications into a single, clearly labeled packet or PDF. A well-organized submittal, with a cover sheet listing each document, helps plan checkers quickly verify compliance and can shave weeks off your approval timeline.
5. Stay on top of review comments.
Immediately address any plan-check corrections or information requests. Clearing review comments in one coordinated response, rather than piecemeal, speeds up the revision cycle and gets your permit issued sooner.
Next steps
With permits in hand and an engineered design ready, you’re set to build a retaining wall that’s safe, compliant, and beautiful. When you’re ready to upgrade your San Francisco landscape, reach out to Tamate Landscaping. Contact us to get started on your retaining wall project.
