Retaining Wall

Call Before You Dig! All buried utilities must be located prior to any excavation taking place. Allow 3 days for locates to be completed before starting your project. Call 811 to schedule, or visit www.colorado811.org.

When is a Permit Required?

Permits are required for retaining walls that are over 4’ as measured from the footing to the top of wall or for any wall that is supporting a surcharge. Applicants will provide a site plan and be required to submit engineered stamped drawings. These permits will be reviewed by Building, Engineering and Planning divisions to verify compliance with various City requirements including structural integrity, impact on drainage, location in relation to easements and property lines.

Retaining walls that are four feet or less do not require a building permit, however, if they are part of a new construction project will be reviewed by Engineering for property line location and easements as part of the standard site plan review process.

All retaining walls must comply with Land Development Code §4-7-2-2. - Retaining walls.

What is Needed to Apply:

Please include the following items with your online application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

• Plot plan with setbacks, easements and retaining wall clearly marked.
• Engineered stamp structural plans.

Submitting Your Application:

Applications can be submitted in person or electronically using eTRAKiT at ArvadaPermits.org. Please allow for three business days to process applications.

  Start Application

 

Review Timelines

Retaining walls over 4 feet will require a variance/minor modification. Once the Planning division has approved the wall, the permit can be issued. This will typically take 4 weeks to be completed.

 

Surcharged retaining walls will have a 3 day review period once a complete application has been submitted.

Fees

Permits for retaining walls will be assessed a $50, $36 plan review fee and Use Tax.
 

Inspections

The following inspections are required to be completed: 

1. Footing
2. Rough Framing
3. Final Building

If you have questions about when inspections should be completed, please contact buildingpermits@arvada.org.

General Guidelines:

• Walls cannot be constructed over or on property lines 
• Walls cannot cause water displacement or alter the drainage path
• Walls cannot be placed in easements

Contact Information