Residential Retaining Wall

Every retaining wall does the same basic job: it holds back the soil behind it. What a particular wall needs, though, depends on the project. Based on how large the wall is and what it supports, you may need a residential permit approved by the Building Division before you build.

General Guidelines for Residential Retaining Walls

A wall must be designed using accepted engineering practice if either of these applies:

• It has no lateral support at the top and holds back more than 48 inches (1,219 mm) of unbalanced fill.
• It is taller than 24 inches (610 mm) and must resist lateral loads beyond the soil itself.

The design has to keep the wall stable against overturning, sliding, too much pressure on the foundation and water uplift, with a safety factor of at least 1.5 for both sliding and overturning. These rules do not cover foundation walls that support buildings.

Note: All work must meet the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC).

Step 1. Review the Submittal Requirements

Have the following ready before you submit through the city's online permitting portal:

1. Location: The property address must already exist in the permitting system. If it does not appear, contact Building Inspections.
2. Type: Briefly describe the work and include the square footage and valuation where they apply.
3. Contacts: Name everyone involved, such as the applicant, contractor, owner and architect. Applicants need a registered account on the portal, and the contractor must be registered with the city as a General Contractor.
4. More information: Give a fuller description of the work, for example a landscape block wall 5 feet high and 12 feet long along the back of the lot.
5. Attachments (the first two are required):
   • Site plan: Usually the survey you received when you bought the property, or a drawing made to scale. It must show dimensions, property lines, easements, streets and drives, and existing and proposed structures, along with where the new wall will sit in relation to the property lines and existing buildings.
   • Architectural or structural plan: The design must follow the most recently adopted IRC and carry the signature and seal of an engineer licensed in Texas.
   • Drainage plan: For some projects, staff may ask for a drainage plan showing that the work complies with the city's Unified Development Code.
   • Other plans or documents: Any related material that may be needed, such as load calculations or a geotechnical report.

Step 2. Apply Online

Building permit applications are submitted through the city's online permitting portal. New users register with a valid email address, which takes about five minutes.

What Happens Next

Once your online application is complete, processing usually takes about 5 to 10 business days. It can take longer if staff need corrections or more information from you.

Phone or In Person

Staff can help you with your online application by phone or at the counter.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (555) 010-2235

Office: Building Inspections Division, City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive, Fredville, TX 75999

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fees

• Apply and pay through the online permitting portal.
• You can get an estimate of the fees for a Residential Retaining Wall Permit before you apply.

Inspections

• Every inspection is made under the 2021 International Residential Code.
• Do not continue work past any inspection point until that inspection has been approved (2021 IRC, Section R109.4).
• The permit holder or their agent is responsible for requesting each inspection through the online portal when the work is ready, and for giving inspectors access to the work.
• Beyond the inspections listed in IRC Sections R109.1.1 to R109.1.4, the division may make or require any other inspection needed to confirm compliance with the adopted codes and other laws the city enforces.
• Some inspections call for extra forms or reports. An inspection attachment guide explains what may be needed.
• An inspection process guide (PDF) lists the inspections usually required for a residential retaining wall.

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