PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in New York City, NY?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a retaining wall in New York City, NY (for example: 4 ft or taller: 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

Retaining walls under 4 ft (top of footing to top of wall) can be exempt if they do not support a surcharge.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see NYC DOB fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/index.page

Where to apply

NYC Department of Buildings (DOB NOW)

Permitting authority: NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Covers all five boroughs. Landmarked properties need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval even when DOB needs no permit. Many projects must be filed by a licensed professional or licensed trade. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Retaining walls less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in height, measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall”

Source: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_101-14.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in New York City

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