Retaining Wall project
Retaining Wall Permit Plans
The site plan, wall section and engineer’s stamp a retaining wall permit asks for: where the wall goes, how tall it is, and how it holds the soil.
- Permit needed?
- Usually for walls over about 4 feet, or walls holding up a driveway or building.
- Who reviews it
- Building department, sometimes engineering or public works
- Site Plan
- Engineer’s Stamp
Drawings you’ll need
What a Retaining wall Permit Asks For
Counties don’t all ask for the same drawings. This is what they usually want for a retaining wall; we confirm your county’s list in the quote.
Plan review
What the County Checks on a Retaining wall Permit
The items reviewers look for first. Every sheet we draw shows them.
-
01
Wall height
Height at the tallest point and at each end.
-
02
Location
Distances to lot lines, buildings and slopes.
-
03
Footing and reinforcement
Sized by the engineer for the soil it holds.
-
04
Drainage
Drain pipe and gravel behind the wall.
-
05
Loads above
Driveways, fences or buildings near the top.
Permit sent back with comments? We revise drawings to answer each one, including plans drawn by someone else.
Permit CorrectionsWhat to send us
What to Send Us
- RequiredProperty addressSo we can check the rules
- RequiredWall length and heightRough numbers are fine
- HelpfulPhotos of the slopeFrom both ends
- HelpfulSoil reportIf you have one
Missing something? Send what you have. We start from county parcel records and aerial imagery, and ask if anything else is needed.
How it works
-
1
Send the basics
Use the quote form or WhatsApp. Two minutes.
-
2
Approve your price
We check your county’s requirements and reply with the price and turnaround. Nothing starts until you approve.
-
3
Get your drawings
Drawn to scale, ready to upload to your permit portal.
Retaining wall permit FAQ
Retaining wall Permit Questions
Short answers to what people ask before ordering. Ask anything else in your quote request.
Get Price QuoteDo I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Usually for walls over about 4 feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing, or any wall holding up a driveway, building or slope. Check your county’s limit.
Does a retaining wall need an engineer?
Walls above the county’s height limit usually need an engineer’s sealed design. Our licensed PE partner can provide it where licensed.
Do I need drainage behind the wall?
Almost always. Water building up behind a wall is a common cause of failure; the design shows the drain.
Can I build two shorter walls instead?
Sometimes, if they’re far enough apart. Terraced walls close together may be treated as one tall wall.