Retaining Wall Contractor in the Bay Area
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Retaining Walls Built to Last
A retaining wall holds back soil and water, so most failures come from poor footings and poor drainage. We build walls with a proper footing, compacted backfill, drain rock, filter fabric and a perforated drain pipe that carries water away from the wall.
We build segmental block walls, poured and block concrete walls, stone-veneer walls, seat walls and planter walls, and terraced walls on sloped lots. Walls are often part of a larger yard project with pavers, steps and new landscaping.
Grading and Hardscape Work
Drainage and grading are part of every wall we build. Ask us for retaining wall photos during your consultation.
Permits and Engineering for Retaining Walls
- 4-foot rule: under the California Residential Code, a retaining wall that is not over 4 feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, may be exempt from a building permit, unless it supports a surcharge such as a driveway, a building or a slope above.
- Taller or loaded walls need a building permit, engineered drawings and inspections.
- Hillside lots: cities like Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Los Gatos and Saratoga often require grading permits, soils reports and drainage plans on slopes.
- Property lines: walls at the property line may be combined with fences, and cities limit total height. Easements and neighboring footings must be respected.
Areas We Serve for Retaining Walls
We build retaining walls throughout the Bay Area, from Lamorinda and the Tri-Valley to San Jose and South County. Every city has its own permit counter and rules, and our city pages explain them:
Orinda · Lafayette · Moraga · Walnut Creek · Alamo · Danville · San Ramon · Dublin · Pleasanton · Livermore · Fremont · Union City · Newark · Milpitas · San Jose · Santa Clara · Sunnyvale · Mountain View · Cupertino · Saratoga · Los Gatos · Palo Alto · Los Altos · Menlo Park · Morgan Hill · San Martin · Gilroy
See all Bay Area service areas.
Outdoor services: Outdoor Living · Pools & Spas · Outdoor Kitchens · Pavers & Hardscape · Artificial Turf & Landscaping · Pergolas & Patio Covers
Also from Axiom: ADU Builders · Garage Conversions · Home Additions · New Custom Homes · Kitchen Remodeling · Portfolio
Retaining Walls FAQ
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in California?
Walls over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing, or any wall supporting a driveway, slope or building, need a permit and usually engineering. Your city may have additional rules.
Why do retaining walls fail?
Most fail from water pressure behind the wall. Drain rock, filter fabric and a drain pipe relieve that pressure.
What type of retaining wall is best?
Segmental block walls are cost-effective and flexible. Concrete walls work for tall or engineered walls. Stone veneer can be added to either for looks.
Can a retaining wall create a flat area for an ADU?
Yes. On sloped lots we often combine grading and walls to create a level pad for an ADU, patio or lawn.