Retaining Walls: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do retaining walls rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn and Detroit have similar restriction levels.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Retaining walls in Dearborn under 4 feet tall measured from bottom of footing require no permit. Walls 4 feet or taller require a building permit with engineered plans per Michigan Residential Code.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a BSEED building permit and engineered drawings.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Permit threshold | 4 feet or with surcharge | - |
| Engineer required | Over 4 feet | - |
| Code | Michigan Residential Code | - |
| Flood zone review | Required near Rouge River | - |
| Fence-on-wall | Combined height counts | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 4 feet |
| Code Section | - | MI Bldg Code 1807 |
| Engineer Required | - | Over 4 ft or with surcharge |
| Typical Fee | - | $150 to $400 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 3-foot garden wall?
Not if it does not support a surcharge like a driveway. Setbacks still apply.
Can I build it myself?
Homeowners can for their own residence. Walls over 4 feet need engineered plans regardless of who builds them.
Detroit FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Dearborn and Detroit compare on other ordinance categories.
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