Retaining Wall Information

Overview 

  • Retaining Wall permits are often pulled during the permitting/construction phase of a project. 
  • Permits for retaining walls:
    1. All walls over 4 feet require a Building permit
    2. Each wall will require a separate permit
    3. Permits are issued by Building Inspections
    4. Certificate of Completion (COC) is issued for each wall after passing a Final Inspection
  • Retaining walls must be shown on civil site plans. Additionally, as part of civil plans submittal, structural plans for retaining walls are required. 
  • Building Inspections will review the structural plans during site review. 
  • Site development permits will not be issued prior to retaining wall structural approval. 
  • For retaining walls where no site review is required, a Zoning permit is required from Planning, followed by a Building permit. Transportation and Public Works may require an additional review.

Resources