PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Denver, CO?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a retaining wall in Denver, CO (for example: Over 4 ft total or with surcharge: permit).

Last verified: · Confidence: high · 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: high

No permit for retaining walls (including any fence on top) up to 4 ft total, measured from the bottom of the footing, unless supporting a surcharge.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see Denver development fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Plan-Review-Permits-and-Inspections/Development-Fees · All verified Denver permit fees

Where to apply

Denver e-permits (Community Planning and Development)

Permitting authority: City and County of Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD). Landmark/historic district properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness and often a permit even for otherwise-exempt work. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Retaining walls, including fences or walls on top of retaining walls, not over 4 feet (1220 mm) in total height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall or fence.”

Source: https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/3/community-planning-and-development/documents/ds/building-codes/2025_denver_building_code.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in Denver

Retaining wall permits in other cities

Compare retaining wall permit rules in all 25 cities · All Colorado cities