Division 4C.9 — GRADING & RETAINING WALLS

[Reserved]

Sec. 4C.9.1. (Grading & Hauling) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.9. (Grading & Retaining Walls)

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City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

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A retaining wall is defined as a freestanding continuous structure, as viewed from the top, intended to

support earth, which is not attached to a building.

A. Intent

The intent of the standards of this Section (Retaining Walls) is to prevent retaining walls which

loom over neighboring properties and public right-of-ways in Hillside Areas and improve the

aesthetic quality of large retaining walls.

B. Applicability

Retaining wall standards apply to new construction, a major remodel, a site modifcationi, or a

use modifcationi, on a lot that is designated with an Agricultural or Residential Use District, is also

located within a Hillside Area, and is developed or to be developed with dwelling units.

C. Standards

1. General

A maximum of one free-standing vertical or approximately vertical retaining wall may be built

on any lot with a maximum height of 12 feet. However, as shown in the diagram below, a

maximum of two vertical or approximately vertical retaining walls or portions of a retaining

wall can be built if they comply with all of the following standards:

a. The minimum horizontal distance between the two retaining walls is three feet,

b. Neither of the two retaining walls exceed a height of 10 feet, and

c. In no case shall the height of a retaining wall located in a yard exceed the maximum height

specified by the frontage yard fence & wall type allowed in the applied Frontage District

(Part 3B.), except as allowed in Sec. 4C.7.2. (Side/Rear Yard Fences & Walls) .

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All retaining walls of eight feet or greater in height shall be landscaped so as to be completely

hidden from view and in accordance with any plant standards in Div. 4C.6. (Plants), and fences

and wall standards in Div. 4C.7. (Fences & Walls) .

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Sec. 4C.9.2. (Retaining Walls) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.9. (Grading & Retaining Walls)

D. Measurement

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

The height of retaining walls is measured from the top of the wall to the lower side of the adjacent

ground elevation.

E. Exceptions

1. Exception for Public Agency Projects

This Section (Retaining Walls) does not apply to projects undertaken by a public agency.

2. Exception for Retaining Walls Required by Building and Safety

The provisions of this Section (Retaining Walls) do not apply to any retaining wall built to

comply with an order issued by the Department of Building and Safety to repair an unsafe or

substandard condition.

3. Exception for Retaining Walls Approved Prior to March 9th, 2005

See Sec. 12.4.1. (Retaining Walls Exceptions) for exceptions to the standards in this Section

(Retaining Walls) for retaining walls approved prior to March 9th, 2005.

F. Relief

1. The Zoning Administrator may approve retaining walls that exceed the heights or the

maximum number allowed in this Section (Retaining Walls) pursuant to Sec. 13B.2.1. (Class 1

Conditional Use Permit) .

2. A deviation from any retaining walls standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with

Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

Sec. 4C.9.2. (Retaining Walls) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

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[ FORM - FRONTAGE - STANDARDS ] [ USE - DENSITY ] Div. 4C.10. (Outdoor Lighting & Glare)