Retaining Walls in San Marcos

Retaining walls in San Marcos fall under city engineering and building rules. A city guide says walls under three feet from the top of the footing are exempt from its engineering wall policy. We connect you with a licensed local contractor for a free estimate.

What the City Guide Says

The San Marcos Engineering Division has a retaining wall guide for applicants. It says walls less than three feet tall, measured from the top of the footing, are exempt from the Engineering Division's retaining wall policy.

Walls built in strict conformance with Section C of the San Diego Area Regional Standard Drawings may be built without calculations. They still must include drainage systems. Walls permitted under a building permit are not subject to the Engineering policy.

Check It Is Still Current

The guide is dated 2001. Codes change. Before you plan a wall, ask the city what applies to your lot today and whether you need a building permit, a grading permit or both.

Drainage Is Not Optional

Water behind a wall adds weight and pressure. Even standard walls need drainage. Ask how the wall will drain and where the water will go.

Soil and Slope

Many San Marcos lots sit on slopes. County records list expansive clay soils in valleys and foothill slopes of the county. Ask whether a soils report makes sense for your wall.

Questions