Arapahoe County Building Division requires a permit for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of footing to top of wall, or for any wall supporting a surcharge. Engineered plans stamped by a Colorado-licensed PE are required for walls over 4 feet.
Arapahoe County follows the 2018 International Residential Code Section R404 for retaining walls. No permit is required for non-engineered retaining walls 4 feet or less (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) without a surcharge. Walls exceeding 4 feet in exposed height, or any height supporting a surcharge (driveways, structures, slopes, vehicle loads) require a building permit with engineered plans signed and sealed by a Colorado-licensed Professional Engineer. Plans must show soil type, drainage (weep holes and gravel backfill), reinforcement details, batter, and global stability analysis for walls over 8 feet. Walls cannot cross easements or encroach into setbacks; boundary walls require written agreement with the adjoining owner. Tiered wall systems are considered one wall if the horizontal distance between tiers is less than 2x the height of the lower wall. Drainage must not discharge onto neighboring property.
Unpermitted walls over 4 feet: stop-work order, required engineering review and retroactive permit plus 2x investigation fees ($300-$2,000 total). Structurally unsound walls may be ordered demolished.
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