Retaining Walls: Garfield vs Paramus
How do retaining walls rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Garfield and Paramus have similar restriction levels.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not directly regulate retaining walls. Municipal building departments enforce New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code, requiring permits for retaining walls typically over 4 feet tall and engineered drawings for taller structures.
View full Garfield rules →Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Paramus regulates retaining walls by exposed height: walls under 4 feet need a zoning permit, while 4-foot and taller walls require a construction permit with engineering. Setbacks scale with wall height.
View full Paramus rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Over 4 feet tall | - |
| Governing Code | N.J.A.C. 5:23 | - |
| Engineering Required | Walls over 4 feet | - |
| Permit Authority | Local municipality | - |
| County Review | County roads only | - |
| Under 4 ft | - | Zoning permit |
| 4 ft or taller | - | Construction permit |
| Walls Up to 3 ft | - | 2 ft setback |
| Walls Over 3 ft | - | 5 ft setback |
| Wall plus Fence Max | - | 10 feet combined |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garfield FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small retaining wall?
Walls under 4 feet typically need no state permit, but some Bergen municipalities require permits for any wall. Check your local building department first.
Who designs retaining walls over 4 feet?
A licensed New Jersey professional engineer must seal plans for walls over 4 feet or those supporting surcharge loads, per UCC requirements.
Paramus FAQ
Do I need engineered drawings for a Paramus retaining wall?
Yes if the wall is 4 feet or taller measured from footing bottom to top, or if it supports a surcharge such as a driveway or pool. Smaller walls usually need only a zoning permit.
How close can a retaining wall sit to my Paramus property line?
Side and rear walls up to 3 feet of exposed height must be at least 2 feet from the line; walls over 3 feet exposed must be at least 5 feet from the side or rear lot line.
Compare other topics
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