Cary, NC Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Guard trigger
- retaining wall over 30 inches
- Residential guard height
- 36 inches minimum
- Other-use guard height
- 42 inches minimum
- Max opening
- 4 inches
Summary
Retaining walls over 30 inches tall in Cary, Wake County must include a guard or barricade, 36 inches on residential lots, 42 inches for other uses, under the Land Development Ordinance.
(1) All retaining walls over thirty (30) inches in height and steep grade changes at a one to one (1:1) ratio or greater shall include guards or other acceptable fencing/barricades measuring a minimum thirty-six (36) inches in height on a residential lot with a detached dwelling, townhouse, duplex, bed and breakfast, group home, or a family care home with four (4) or fewer residents. Guards or other acceptable fencing/barricades measuring forty-two (42) inches in height shall be required for all other uses. Guards shall be constructed with no opening greater than four (4) inches.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
The Town of Cary's Land Development Ordinance requires a safety guard wherever a retaining wall exceeds 30 inches in height, or a grade change reaches a 1:1 slope or steeper. On residential lots with a detached dwelling, townhouse, duplex, bed and breakfast, group home, or small family care home, the guard or fencing/barricade must be at least 36 inches tall; all other uses require 42 inches. Guards can't have an opening wider than 4 inches. Walls 42 inches or taller above grade must also meet the LDO's screening standards under §7.2.7(C).
Violations & Fines
Building or leaving an unguarded retaining wall over 30 inches, or a steep grade change without the required 36- or 42-inch barricade, is a Land Development Ordinance violation subject to citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my retaining wall need a guardrail in Cary?
Does this apply to steep slopes without a built wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina fence regulations overview
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Retaining Walls in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle retaining walls.