Retaining walls are regulated as structures under the Kentucky Building Code (815 KAR 7:120 adopting the 2018 International Building Code with Kentucky amendments) and the Kentucky Residential Code, both administered locally by the City of Bowling Green Building Division. Under the KBC/KRC, retaining walls more than 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) require a building permit and engineered drawings; walls 4 feet or less that do not support a surcharge generally do not require a permit. The Warren County/Joint Zoning Ordinance does not separately regulate retaining-wall height but treats engineered walls as accessory structures with a 5-foot setback (Sec. 4.4.5.B).
Kentucky adopts the International Building Code and International Residential Code statewide through the Kentucky Building Code (815 KAR 7:120) and Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125), authorized by KRS 198B. The 2018 KBC/KRC, currently adopted, follows the IBC/IRC standard that retaining walls greater than 4 feet in height (from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a permit and engineered design. Walls 4 feet or less in height that do not support a surcharge or impound Class I, II, or IIIA liquids may be exempt from permit per Section R105.2 of the IRC. The City of Bowling Green Building Division (270-393-3615) reviews retaining-wall plans for compliance with the KBC/KRC and refers engineered designs as needed. The Warren County/Joint Zoning Ordinance setback table at Sec. 4.4.5.B sets a 5-foot Accessory Structure setback in single-family residential districts, which applies to retaining walls. In the Historic Overlay District, Sec. 4.9.4.G.1.d specifies: 'New retaining walls should be of BRICK or STONE and not of poured concrete, concrete block, rusticated concrete block or railroad ties.' Retaining walls within or affecting drainage easements require approval from City Public Works in addition to the building permit.
Building a retaining wall over 4 feet without a building permit or engineered drawings violates the KBC/KRC and the Bowling Green Building Code (Chapter 6 of the BG Code of Ordinances). Code Enforcement may issue a stop-work order and require an engineered design or removal of the wall. Walls within historic overlay districts that use prohibited materials may be required to be refaced or replaced.
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