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In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all Douglas County Government offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. Offices will reopen on Monday, Dec. 2, for normal business.

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Building Division

Retaining Wall

A building permit and engineered design is required for a retaining wall when the wall is over 4 feet in height measured from the top of the wall to the bottom of the footing or if supporting a surcharge. (See illustrations below to determine if a surcharge is present) Terraced or tiered retaining walls require a building permit and engineered design if the walls are over 4 feet in height or spaced apart at a distance less than two times the height of the lower wall. The following is required for submitting a retaining wall permit:

  • Building Permit Application. If contractors are being used they must be listed on your application at the time of submittal (Homeowner Agreement Form).
  • One set of retaining wall construction plans, stamped, and signed by a Colorado registered professional engineer.
  • One site plan showing the dimensions to the property lines.  NOTE: It shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner and/or permit holder to verify the location of all utilities and easements including water, sewer, well, septic, electric, phone, cable, fiber optic and gas prior to excavation or construction of any structure. 
  • Letter from the Architectural Control Committee.  If you do not have this letter, please be advised that your permit will be placed on “hold” for approximately five working days so that we may inform them in writing, unless you obtain the approval letter prior to the release of the permit.
  • Retaining wall permit fees are determined by the project valuation which includes materials and labor.

During construction of the wall(s), it is the responsibility of the permit holder to have the engineer of record perform an inspection(s) to ensure the construction is in compliance with their design and the approved plans. Upon completion of the retaining wall, copies of the Engineer’s inspection report or observation letter shall be submitted to the Douglas County Building Department to finalize and close out the building permit.