PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Phoenix, AZ?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a retaining wall in Phoenix, AZ (for example: Over 3 ft or with surcharge: permit).

Last verified: · Confidence: medium · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: medium

No permit for retaining walls up to 3 ft (top of footing to top of wall) unless they support a surcharge. Taller walls need a permit.

What changes the answer

Note: Phoenix uses 3 ft, lower than the 4 ft model-code limit.

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the Phoenix fee schedule. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/pddsite/documents/impact-fees/fee-schedule.pdf · All verified Phoenix permit fees

Where to apply

City of Phoenix PDD Residential Projects

Permitting authority: City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department (PDD). Zoning (setbacks, height, lot coverage) applies even when a building permit is not required. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Retaining walls which are not over 3 feet (914 mm) in height measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.”

Source: https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/pddsite/documents/trt/external/dsd_trt_pdf_00618.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: medium

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Other projects in Phoenix

Retaining wall permits in other cities

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