Retaining Wall Permits

Retaining walls are structures designed to hold back soil between areas of different elevations.

A Retaining Wall Permit is required when installing a new retaining wall or replacing an existing retaining wall on residential or commercial properties.

When a Retaining Wall Permit Is Not Required

A separate Retaining Wall Permit is generally not required when the wall:

• Measures 4 feet or less from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall at the same section
• Does not support a surcharge

All retaining walls require an indemnification letter.

Additional zoning regulations related to rear-yard grading may restrict retaining walls on certain properties. Refer to Section 9.4.3 of the Development Code for additional guidance.

Who Can Apply for a Retaining Wall Permit?

Retaining Wall Permits may be obtained by:

• Licensed contractors
• Property owners, if the property is their current permanent residence

A professionally engineered signed and sealed design is required for retaining walls 6 feet or taller.

Types of Retaining Wall Permits

• Retaining Wall – Commercial
• Retaining Wall – Residential

Applying for a Retaining Wall Permit

Applications can be submitted online through the City's Online Permitting Portal (Opens in a new tab).

The portal also allows applicants to:

• Submit construction drawings
• Pay invoices
• Request inspections
• Track permit status

Applicants may also schedule an appointment through QLess to meet with a Permit Technician at City Hall for assistance with the application process.

Required Application Documents

• Retaining Wall Permit Application

Drawing Submittal Requirements

The following construction drawings are typically required for plan review and permit issuance:

• Cover Sheet and Sheet Index including the project address and a list of submitted drawings
• Civil Drawings
  • Existing conditions survey
  • Site plans showing:
    • Setbacks
    • Buffers
    • Easements
    • Lot coverage calculations
    • Existing utilities such as water, sewer, and septic systems
  • Grading and drainage plans
  • Retaining wall details, if applicable
  • Erosion control plans showing BMP locations and standard details
  • Tree Conservation Plan including canopy coverage calculations

Associated Application Documents

Walls over 4 feet but less than 6 feet in height require a completed Owner’s Indemnification Form before permit issuance.

Walls 6 feet or taller must be engineered and require a completed and stamped Engineer’s Indemnification Form before permit issuance.

• Authorized Agent Affidavit
• Commercial Owner Authorization Affidavit
• Residential Owner-Contractor Affidavit
• Owner’s Indemnification Form
• Engineer’s Indemnification Form
• Retaining Wall Site Plan Checklist

Inspection Process

1. A pre-construction site inspection is required before any land-disturbing activity begins. Schedule this inspection before installing silt fencing and tree-save fencing.
2. A final inspection is conducted once the project is complete.