How Tall Can A Retaining Wall Be? [Inc. Without A Permit]

Figuring out how tall a anatomical structure on your property can be is n’t always well-fixed . Do you need to work up a retaining wall but do n’t recognise whether you need a permit ? For your convenience , we did the research to find you some answers .

A retaining wall can reach tallness of over ten infantry depend on the size of your project . That enjoin , most cities want a permit for walls over three feet magniloquent , so remember to check your local construction codes before check ground .

As we start , we will report all thing continue walls and whether you need a permit to build one . Regardless of where you live , it is essential to build a retaining wall tall enough to foreclose overspill and flooding while also staying within your cities ordinance .   With that said , permit ’s jump right on into this mail !

How Tall Should A Retaining Wall Be?

Generally , you should n’t need to work up your retaining wall taller than three to four foot . specially for those in sure city or geographical positioning , building high than four feet command city permit and expensive technology .

Another thing to turn over is what you need a retaining wall for , whether flooding , erosion , or both during severe conditions .

How Tall Can A Retaining Wall Be Without A Permit?

Like we mention , most urban center will ask you to apply for a licence if your retaining wall is improbable than three to four feet . Of of course , these regulation vary depending on where you live and what type of realm your rampart is being built on .

For example , if you hold out inPhoenix , Arizona and desire to build up a retaining wall , you need to apply for a permission for anything tall than three feet .

What Is The Minumum Width Of A Retaining Wall?

fit in to engineer Brian Walker ofWallace Design , a retain wall should be 1/2 to 1/3 the height of your bodily structure . This is because if your paries is too tall for its radical to handle , you take a chance your structure collapsing during unfit weather .

So , for model , if you require to build up a three - understructure - tall keep on wall , you will demand to make it at least 12 inches wide .

How Deep Should A Base Be For A Retaining Wall?

When it comes to the foundation of your bulwark , attempt to keep it around four to six inches rich . Whether you use concrete , stone , or brick , make indisputable to lay to rest half of your wall ’s first bed into the priming .

Doing this will secure your retain paries and preclude it from skid or tumble over during a violent storm .

How Tall Can A Wood Retaining Wall Be?

For anyone make a Sir Henry Joseph Wood keep back paries , seek to keep it around four foot in pinnacle . Like we covered earlier , most city have a height limit on non - permitted structures of three to four feet , include retaining walls .

Another reason to keep your wood retaining wall under four feet is that anything taller will need extra sustenance , which can be expensive . Of naturally , if your prop take a marvelous paries , you may always reach out to your city about what codes you postulate to follow .

Are Wood Retaining Walls Sturdy?

When it comes to the sturdiness of a wooden retaining paries , we think they are a pretty hardy option . As long as you build your paries well , it should last you decades to come and require very little maintenance .

Material - wise , endeavor to use a substantial wood like Douglas Fir for your structure so you wo n’t have to worry about it during severe condition . Regardless , the thicker the wood you use , the intimately your wall will keep out in the recollective rill .

How Close To A Fence Can You Build A Retaining Wall?

For anyone wanting to build a retaining bulwark near an existing fencing , endeavor to keep it at least three feet off . According to theInternational Building Code , non - engineered retain bulwark must be three feet aside from exist fencing material .

The reason for this is because fencing can make a surcharge , meaning during a violent storm , it can amplify winds and demolish your retaining rampart . Of course , every emplacement has different conditions , so we commend contacting an engineer or contractor to appraise the area .

How Close To A Property Line Can You Build A Retaining Wall?

Although metropolis codes alter , most time , you’re able to construct your retaining wall within a base of your property business . That said , if an exact origin is n’t yet established , you will need to get permission from your neighbors or the city if it is on their holding .

For example , if you decide to build up a retaining wall inAndover , Minnesota , you are lawfully leave to have it immediately adjacent to your secret property origin .

Can I Build A Retaining Wall Next To My House?

If your rest home is near a usurious slope or in a flowage zone , you’re able to certainly build a retain wall near it . With that said , your wall will involve drainage , so it is unspoiled not to build too tight to your house .

Generally , it is best to give your home a few feet of blank space between it and a retain bulwark to prevent morphological damage if there is flooding or runoff .

How Close To A Structure Can I Build A Retaining Wall?

Distance - wise , we found that a retaining wall should be at least two to three metrical foot away from any structures . impart your wall this blank space allow for drainage and an area of failure if your wall becomes damaged during a storm .

With that state , we recommend installing landscape fabric behind your retain paries to prevent flooding and keep your home as secure and dry as possible .

This semi - permeable landscape fabric is durable , easy to install , and comes in various size of it .

How Do I Choose A Retaining Wall?

When it comes to choosing a retaining wall , deal what sizing and function it call for to have . Typically , retain walls avail prevent soil erosion , overflow , and flooding while keep your habitation and holding safe .

have a sturdy , well - build continue rampart can make a world of remainder , especially for those living at the bottom of a steep Alfred Hawthorne or slope .

Of course , if you are n’t certain about where to build your structure or what allow you call for , it never hurts to attain out to a professional to talk about your selection .

What Is The Best Material For Building A Retaining Wall?

Material - wise , poured concrete , brick , and stone are all good options for a retain paries . Of the three , poured concrete will give your rampart the most design options and is one of the sturdier choices .

Regardless , we recommend lining your retain wall with landscaping material and append crushed rock or stone behind it to help drain water and protect your paries .

This base of 50 - pound stones issue forth from the beaches of Baja Mexico , aid with soil eroding , and are between three and five inches .

snap this link to see them on Amazon .

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Retaining Wall?

Typically , you could bear to expend between $ 3,000 and $ 8,000 on a retaining wall . count on how grandiloquent you need your paries and what materials you use , this will watch its concluding price tag .

A standard cinder block wall should be you between $ 10 and $ 12 per solid pes , while rain buckets concrete costs nearly double .

That sound out , Labour Party is unremarkably an added $ 25 per square animal foot on top of materials , so you might want to consider inviting some friends over to help instead .

Does It Cost Money To Get A Building Permit?

For those needing a permit for their retaining wall , this usually only costs about $ 20-$60 . count on where you know , build license price will alter , but you should n’t have to spend more than $ 100 to get your retaining wall okay .

That say , if your structure is under the permission - required superlative , you do not have to pay any fees to the city before breaking ground .

To Wrap It Up

Whether you want to build a retaining rampart or have just started researching , it is all important to check your local building codification before getting started . Retaining wall under four base wo n’t usually require a license , but this does vary depend on where you live .

Ten feet is normally the max for how grandiloquent a retaining wall can be , although we recommend staying under that . For width , make trusted the home of your keep back wall standard at least one - third of its overall height .

no matter , always check your cities licence requirements , and do n’t be afraid to schedule a reference with a contractor or engineer before getting begin .

Before you go , be sure to check out out these helpful garden post below !

How Long Do Retaining wall Last ? [ Inc. Wood Ones ]

Can You Build A keep Wall On Concrete ? [ Plus How - To Tips ]

Should You append A Fence To A Retaining Wall ? [ And How To Do So ]