Brunswick County, NC Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height in required yard
- 4 feet
- Governing section
- UDO § 6.10.6
- Drainage rule
- Cannot impede stream/ditch flow
- Property line rule
- No encroachment (post-2007)
- Nuisance/hazard
- Owner must repair or remove
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Brunswick County, North Carolina's UDO allows retaining walls up to four feet in height within required yards. That specific limit controls over a separate, more general provision elsewhere in the Ordinance that lists retaining walls up to six feet as a permitted yard obstruction, because a specific height standard takes priority under the county's fence and wall rules.
Retaining walls up to four feet in height may be located within required yards.
Full Breakdown
6, titled "Retaining Walls," states in full that retaining walls up to four feet in height may be located within required yards. G calls for fences and walls to be designed to prevent damage to the structure and nearby buildings during hurricane events. 6's four-foot cap, takes priority over the more general yard-obstruction listing. 7, a retaining wall that becomes a hazard through neglect, disrepair or poor construction is deemed a nuisance, and the Planning Director can require the owner to repair, replace or demolish it. These rules apply only in the unincorporated county, not inside Leland, Southport, Oak Island or Brunswick County's other incorporated towns.
Violations & Fines
A retaining wall built taller than four feet in a required yard, or one left in a hazardous, neglected condition, is a UDO violation. Under Section 6.10.7 the Planning Director can order the owner to repair, replace or demolish a nuisance wall, and the general UDO enforcement scheme in Section 9.11.9 allows a $100 civil penalty per uncorrected day, or a misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a retaining wall be in Brunswick County?
Can a retaining wall block drainage on my property?
What happens if my retaining wall becomes unsafe?
Do these limits apply inside Southport or Holden Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brunswick County
Compare Brunswick County to another location·View the North Carolina fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.