Sloped lots in Almaden Valley, Evergreen and the east foothills rely on retaining walls. Drainage behind the wall and the footing under it decide whether it stays straight. Walls over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing, or holding up a load, need a permit.
Retaining walls are common in the parts of San Jose that climb out of the valley: Almaden Valley, Evergreen, the east foothills and Silver Creek. A wall holds back soil so a sloped lot can have a level yard, a driveway or a patio. On the flat valley floor, short walls frame raised beds and steps. In both cases the wall is only as good as its footing and the drainage behind it.
Water is what pushes walls over. Clay holds water and swells, and winter storms can saturate a slope in a day. We build walls with gravel backfill, a perforated drain at the base and outlets through or around the wall so the pressure never builds. In earthquake country the steel in the wall and the footing matters as well, and taller walls are built to an engineer's design.
Under the California Building Code, a retaining wall over 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall needs a permit, and so does a shorter wall that supports a surcharge such as a driveway, a slope or a building. We tell you at the estimate whether your wall falls under that rule and whether a hillside or grading review applies to your address.
Retaining walls in San Jose: common questions
Does my retaining wall need an engineer?
If it is over 4 feet from the bottom of the footing to the top, or it holds up a driveway, slope or structure, it needs a permit and normally engineered plans. Low garden walls usually do not.
Why is my old wall leaning?
Almost always water and clay pressure with no drainage behind the wall, sometimes with a footing that is too small. Once a concrete wall leans it rarely goes back. We look at whether it can be relieved and braced or should be rebuilt.
Can a concrete wall be finished to look better?
Yes. Board-formed texture, a smooth form finish, a stucco coat, stone veneer or integral colour are all options, and they are chosen before the wall is formed.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit and measure.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with finish options.
- Prep & forms: We excavate, grade, compact the base and set forms and reinforcement.
- Pour, finish & cure: We pour, finish, cut control joints and tell you when you can use it.