Albuquerque retaining walls follow the same maximum heights as other walls unless the City Engineer approves a higher wall. Retaining walls over 6 feet must be terraced to no more than 3 tiers, with a planted 4-foot terrace between tiers and footings kept out of the public right-of-way.
IDO Section 14-16-5-7(F) governs retaining walls. Their maximum height is set by 14-16-5-7(D) (the Table 5-7-1 standards) unless a higher wall is approved by the City Engineer as necessary on a particular lot. A retaining wall higher than 6 feet must be terraced to minimize visual impacts on residents, neighboring properties, and the public realm, with terracing limited to 3 tiers. A terrace at least 4 feet wide with a maximum slope of 1:3 (rise:run) must separate each tier to create landscaping pockets, and those terraces must be vegetated with permanent landscaping unless a licensed engineer determines the soil unsuitable due to geologic hazards. Retaining walls must be set back so the underground footing does not encroach on any abutting public right-of-way. Walls higher than 6 feet also require a permit from the Building Safety Division.
Violations are subject to ROA 1994 1-1-99 (General Penalty): up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day a separate offense (IDO 14-16-6-9(D)). Non-compliant tall walls may require engineering review, redesign/terracing, or removal.
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