In the zoned Billings/Yellowstone County jurisdiction, retaining walls over 4 feet tall — or any wall with a surcharge or slope — require a building permit and must be designed by a Montana-licensed engineer. Walls 4 feet or higher are also reviewed for zoning conformance.
Under the unified Billings/Yellowstone County code, a retaining wall exceeding 4 feet in height, or any retaining wall supporting a surcharge or slope, requires a building permit from the Building Division and must be designed by a Montana licensed engineer with a wet stamp and wet signature. Retaining walls 4 feet or higher should also be reviewed by the Planning Department for conformance with zoning regulations. These apply in the 4.5-mile county zoning jurisdiction and within Billings. On unincorporated county land outside any zoning district, the county sets no retaining-wall standard.
Constructing a regulated retaining wall without the required building permit and engineered design is a code violation; the Building Division may require permitting, engineering, correction or removal.
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