Auburn, AL Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Auburn's Inspection Services handles retaining walls through its Residential Retaining Wall/Fence permit process. Per the City's retaining-wall guidance, "Building permits are required for any retaining wall that exceeds four (4) feet in height (as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall)." Walls less than 4 feet with no surcharge do not require a permit. An engineered design, prepared in accordance with accepted engineering practice to ensure stability against overturning, is required when: (1) the retaining wall is over 4 feet in height, or (2) the wall is greater than 24 inches in height and supports a surcharge (any additional load such as fill behind or above the wall). A 'surcharge' is illustrated in the City's handout as added load bearing on or against the wall. On the zoning side, the definition of "Structure" in Section 203 expressly excludes "retaining walls and terrace walls," so these walls are not treated as buildings for setback purposes - but they still need the building permit when over 4 feet and must comply with grading, drainage and erosion-control requirements. The site plan submitted with the application must show setbacks, impervious surface, flood zones and easements, and erosion-control measures may have to be inspected before a permit is issued.