Apex regulates retaining structures under UDO Sec. 8.1.6 (Retaining Structures) and treats freestanding walls under Sec. 8.2.7 (Fences, Walls, and Berms). Retaining-wall construction is also subject to the North Carolina State Building Code (NC Residential Code R404 for foundation/retaining walls; NC Building Code Chapter 18 for non-residential), enforced by the Apex Building Inspections Division at (919) 249-3418. The UDO's 7-foot freestanding-wall cap (Sec. 8.2.7.B.1) does not apply to grade-retaining walls, but retaining walls 4 feet or taller (measured bottom of footing to top of wall) typically require engineered design and a building permit under the NC State Building Code.
Apex UDO Article 8 separates landscape walls and fences (Sec. 8.2.7) from grade-retention structures, which are addressed under Sec. 8.1.6 (Retaining Structures) within Resource Conservation standards. Sec. 8.2.7.B.1 reads: 'No freestanding fence or wall shall exceed seven feet in height including piers, posts, and finials,' which applies to landscape and screening walls. Walls in front yards are limited to 48 inches per Sec. 8.2.7.B.2. For grade-retention, Apex enforces the North Carolina State Building Code; the NC Residential Code R404 (Foundation and Retaining Walls) requires engineered design for retaining walls supporting more than 48 inches (4 feet) of unbalanced backfill, or any wall supporting a surcharge. The North Carolina State Building Code is adopted statewide under NCGS Chapter 143, Article 9; following Session Law 2023-108 (House Bill 488), local governments cannot amend the NC Residential Code beyond the framework established by the State Building Code Council and Residential Code Council. Retaining walls cannot be placed within a public right-of-way and must respect recorded easements; building permit applications are processed by Apex Building Inspections at 322 N Mason St, Apex NC 27502, phone (919) 249-3418.
Constructing a freestanding decorative wall over 7 feet (or over 48 inches in a front yard) violates UDO Sec. 8.2.7.B. Building a grade-retaining wall over 4 feet (bottom of footing to top of wall) without an engineered design and building permit violates the NC State Building Code as enforced by Apex Building Inspections. Walls placed in public rights-of-way or in recorded utility/drainage easements must be removed at the owner's expense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Apex, NC
Apex does not have a code provision specifically prohibiting or permitting artificial turf in residential or commercial landscapes. Where landscape material ...
Apex, NC
Apex does not mandate native plants in private landscapes but actively promotes them. The Town's Plant the Peak program installs native trees on residential ...
Apex, NC
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Apex. North Carolina state law prohibits local governments from banning cisterns and rain barrels used for ir...
Apex, NC
Apex UDO Sec. 4.5.6 permits one Accessory Apartment per single-family lot. Attached accessory apartments have no size limit. Detached accessory apartments ar...
Apex, NC
Apex Town Code Sec. 13-62 limits Mobile Food Vendors to (a) private property with written owner permission, (b) Town-owned property with the Town Manager's w...
Apex, NC
Apex Town Code Chapter 13, Article IV (Sec. 13-60 through 13-69.5), adopted by Ordinance 2019-0305-02, requires every Mobile Food Vendor and Transient Food V...
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