Aurora, CO Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Engineer required over
- 4 feet
- Plan approval
- before construction
- Rear lot line max
- 48 inches
- Side/corner lot max
- 30 inches
- Railing required above
- 30 inches
Summary
In Aurora, Colorado, retaining walls over four feet must be engineered by a professional and approved by the city before construction; residential walls also face UDO height caps of 30 to 48 inches by location.
(d) Retaining walls. All retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with the IBC and with good engineering practices. Walls higher than four feet shall be designed by a professional engineer, and plans submitted to the city for approval before construction.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora City Code § 22-539(d), current through Ordinance 2026-17 (May 18, 2026), requires all retaining walls to be designed to IBC standards; any wall over four feet must be designed by a professional engineer and have plans submitted to the city for approval before construction. Separately, the Aurora Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.7.9.T, current through Ordinance 2026-03 (Feb. 23, 2026), sets residential height limits: 48 inches max at rear lot lines, 30 inches at side lot lines and corner-lot yards, with a pedestrian railing required above 30 inches. Terraced walls are barred in side yards of single-family detached homes.
Violations & Fines
Building an unpermitted or unengineered wall over four feet violates the building code; the city can issue a stop-work order or notice of violation, and penalties follow the general schedule in City Code § 1-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Aurora, Colorado?
How tall can a residential retaining wall be in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado fence regulations overview
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Retaining Walls in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle retaining walls.