It can probably be presumed that the lot grading for the subdivision is such that lots are all graded to drain independently out to the street on each individual property, so that creating a drainage problem for a neighbor is not likely, but then again, this lot could have slopes and drainage across lot lines, in which case interruption of flow is an issue. My understanding from another post by the OP on this same garden was that theot was flat, and the intent to build raised beds was more for aesthetics as well as making vegetable raised beds that would have improved soil conditions and be easier to work. The idea of a french drain as sketched out by the OP, which seemed to form a circle at the base of the proposed raised beds but didn't actually connect with anything, didn't seem to make much sense in terms of actually solving a drainage problem, in fact, if the lot is flat, they would seem to have been superfluous to solving the problem of a wet crawl space under the house, which sounds more like it was related to roof downspouts unconnected to drain lines to take it away from the house. I had originally understood the back of the lot to have the lot behind it at a higher grade with a slope beyond the proposed raised beds, but the sketches did not appear to support that line of supposition. In any case, I'd suggest that the OP either hire a competent landscape architect or designer/contractor to give him more informed advice on solving his problems and avoiding unnecessary expense or useless construction, or read up more to become better informed about landscape construction and particularly drainage concerns as they would pertain to his Fremont location. As it is, the questions have been too general to give truly informed advice, and not enough information has been supplied to really address all the potential concerns. I'd hope that these discussions have been sufficient to alert the OP that he needs to either hire some informed help, or get up to speed with the information needed to make the best decisions on how to proceed. There are definitely times when it saves money and expense to hire expertise...

There's a lot of scary talk here, but the gist is that a retaining wall is trivial except when things go wrong. These things can include anything from waterlogged soil to earthquake, but we won't think of them too much lest they come true. Here in Arizona, the counties regulate building codes, and Pima County says: "Engineering is required if the wall is over 4 feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing, or for any wall height with applied surcharge loads" such as driveways on top or slopes pushing sideways. Also, and here's the good part: "For retaining walls up to 8 feet high, Pima County Building Safety pre-approved details may be used." That means they have a homeowner-oriented form designed to make it easy unless you're dealing with an intense situation. Forget engineers. Forget lawyers. Call the building permits people and ask THEM, not us. If you follow their plans and have it inspected by them you can expect a reliable wall and a lawyer-free future for it. If your building codes/permits people donâÂÂt have such a handout, get the one from Pima County and see if theyâÂÂll accept it. ItâÂÂs very BS free.

Any sort of sedums or succulents would work, providing they receive enough sun and are suited to your climate. You could also look at prostrate rosemary (look for variety 'Irene'). Or most any kind of flowering annual (verbenas, calibrachoa, petunias and nasturiums all cascade but so do many other types). I'd also suggest posting in your regional (California Gardening??) forum for localized input.

So just a quick update.. I spoke to the builder and the fence crew.. Fence guy says he highly recommends not putting the fence between the wall and neighbors property.. He was concerned with the space but also said that if he puts the fence and "raises" it on the post it will not look right.. He recommended putting the fence on top and behind the wall.. Well here is the new problem.. Builder obviously said that he does not want to move the wall.. He said that it was my decision to put it there and if I want it moved I would have to pay the cost to move it which is two days of manpower consisting of three guys and also the use of the excavator.. He didn't give us a price but the last time he gave a price for his excavator it was around 1k for some trench work.. So I am going to assume he would want 2k to do the wall over.. The wall would get moved about 1ft closer to the neighbors property but still give them an extra 6inches more then they are supposed to have.. I am not sure if its worth the money to gain the extra 1ft of space along that side.. Right now we are losing 1ft on a 80ft run.. One of the big concerns is that I have seen this exact same issue come up in the past where people had a space like this that the neighbor took over without them knowing and was using it for YEARS.. And when they went to sell the house there was a problem as the neighbor claimed the property was his and had been using it for X amount of years.. I know everyone was in a court battle but I dont know the end result.. I just remember being told that the neighbor actually had a valid argument since they were using it for X amount of years and were never told not to..