What segmental retaining wall block actually is
Segmental retaining wall (SRW) block is a dry-stacked concrete unit. The units lock with pins or geometry and usually batter back slightly with each course. That is a different system from grouted CMU with mortar, rebar, and a concrete footing. County PDS 083 and PDS 084 and City Information Bulletin 220 describe permitted masonry retaining walls. They are not an SRW product catalog.
Do not treat “block wall” as one product. Ask the bidder for the exact unit name and the current manufacturer drawing. We could not confirm a complete manufacturer roster from the approved sources for this page. See segmental manufacturers and CMU.
What belongs in the bid
Ask what sits under the first course, what backfill sits behind the face, where water leaves, and whether geogrid is in the approved design. Geogrid spacing is a drawing decision. See what geogrid is and how it is placed.
City standard masonry drainage specs in Information Bulletin 221 apply to that bulletin’s grouted walls, not automatically to every SRW. An SRW wall follows its own drawing.
A permit can still apply to an SRW. Inside City of San Diego limits, Bulletin 220 lists height, surcharge, and steep-backfill triggers for retaining walls. The SRW still follows its manufacturer drawing, not the City’s grouted masonry standard unless that is the system being built.
Shortcut questions
Ask whether native soil is proposed directly behind the face. Ask whether geogrid layers match the stamped plan. Those answers matter more than the block color.
Wall Pro SD connects homeowners with licensed local crews. Call (858) 400-4639.
See segmental block walls and Allan Block systems.