Avondale, AZ Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The Property Maintenance Ordinance's definitions section spells out the link: 'Fence (includes screen walls and/or retaining walls)' is defined as a self-standing structure of wood, chain link, metal, masonry or similar material used for privacy, security, screening, or bank retention between grade separations (Sec. 14-50). That folds retaining walls into the Zoning Ordinance's wall and fence standards at Sec. 28-297. Height is measured from finished surface grade at the wall's location (Sec. 28-297(c)(1)). In a required front-yard setback, a wall or fence, including a retaining wall performing that function, tops out at three feet six inches unless the zoning administrator approves an increase up to a hard ceiling of six feet, and any height above 3'6" must preserve line-of-sight to the street through openings or transparent materials (Sec.

28-297(c)(2)). Behind the front setback, in required rear and side yards, the maximum rises to six feet, or eight feet for a single-family lot backing an arterial road or where a taller wall is needed to screen service areas (Sec. 28-297(c)(3)). Through lots with a rear line on an arterial street must build a masonry wall up to eight feet (Sec. 28-297(c)(4)). All walls need development plan review approval, and general design rules require a minimum six-inch masonry or concrete thickness with at least two material types (Sec. 28-297(b)(3)-(4)).