Engineering Division
Constructing a Retaining Wall on Your Property
When you install a retaining wall you will likely be changing the grading of the land. Therefore, unless you are applying for a Pool Permit, you will have to file a Grading and Clearing Permit application. The retaining wall location and size will have to be shown on the application documents. Walls which measure over thirty inches at its highest point require engineering drawings drawn by a licensed professional engineer or architect, material certification and a safety barrier. The intent of the safety barrier is to prevent children from falling over the wall. The safety barrier must be four feet high, impenetrable by children, and located at the outer edge of the wall for its entire length. Landscaping does not constitute a safety barrier.
Wall systems consisting of two or more tiers must have an Engineer's safety review if the total drop of the system exceeds thirty inches. Landscaping walls (those measuring under thirty inches) require engineering drawings and material certifications if located at a distance less than twice their height from a public right-of-way. Walls which measure over thirty inches in height must be offset four feet from a property line for every foot of height above the natural grade.
If you are constructing a retaining wall in conjunction with the installation of a pool, then you do not need to obtain a separate Grading and Clearing Permit as long as you clearly indicate on the survey or grading plan attached to your Pool Permit application the location of the retaining wall you intend to construct and, for retaining walls over 30" in height, include the wall design certified by a licensed professional engineer.
