Cincinnati, OH Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Given Cincinnati's hilly topography along the Ohio River valley, retaining walls are common and heavily regulated. The Cincinnati Building Code requires a separate Building Permit for every retaining wall, whether it is built as a standalone project or in conjunction with other construction. Permit applications must include engineered plans showing footing design, drainage provisions, erosion and sediment control measures, and the location of temporary and permanent fencing or protective devices. Retaining walls up to three feet high adjacent to hard surface paving may be constructed without footings provided the bottom is embedded at least 18 inches below grade. Gravity retaining walls built of masonry must rest on a concrete footing at least 12 inches thick. Walls exceeding four feet in exposed height generally require engineered design stamped by a licensed professional engineer registered in Ohio. When a retaining wall is located within the zone of influence of a paved public roadway, the plans must also be reviewed and approved by the Department of Transportation and Engineering. If a fence is placed on top of a retaining wall, the combined height of the retaining wall and fence is measured from the lower adjacent grade for zoning compliance. Retaining walls that fail or show signs of structural distress are subject to orders to repair or replace under the property maintenance code.