What's the highest retaining wall I can build in San Francisco without getting a permit?

Exteriors Landscaping
2

Hi Katie, in California the code says up to 3’ without permit and without engineering.

  1. if you do more the 3’ you need permit & engineer
  2. if you do more then 6’ you need permit & engineer & soil report
  3. if you do more then 10’ you need permit & engineer & soil report & site visit

In some cases they will ask for a tree survey if you have in your land many trees.
I hope I helped you,

Ariel Baleli
Everlast Construction