Columbus, GA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed
- Before work begins
- Fee
- $50.00 nonrefundable
- Scope
- Walls on public ROW/property
- Covers
- New work and alterations
Summary
Building or altering a retaining wall on Columbus, Georgia public rights-of-way or city property requires a plan-approved permit before work starts, under Code § 18-35.
Any person, contractors included, who desires to perform any work on publicly owned rights-of-way and/or properties to include, but not exclusive to, the installation, construction, modification, planting, and/or removal of walks, sidewalks, steps, driveways, streets, roadways, aprons, curbs, curbing, gutters, copings, retaining walls, drainage structures, irrigation systems, plantings, landscaping, or other related work shall make application with plans to the city and obtain approval and a permit therefor before any work is commenced.(b)The requirements as stipulated in the above preceding sentence shall also apply to any changes, alterations or additions to any existing installations on city or public property, rights-of-way or streets. This shall also apply to any alterations or cutting of existing curbing for driveways or driveway aprons on city or public property. (Ord. of 8-30-55, § 1; Ord. No. 91-50, § 2, 6-18-91)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Code § 18-35 requires anyone, including contractors, doing work on Columbus's publicly owned rights-of-way or properties, a list that names retaining walls alongside walks, curbs, gutters, drainage structures, and driveways, to submit plans and obtain city approval and a permit before starting. The same requirement covers later changes, alterations, or additions to an existing installation on city or public property (§ 18-35(b)). A nonrefundable $50.00 fee applies to general work permits (§ 18-36), and only a person holding the required business license may perform the work (§ 18-38). This section governs walls that sit on or tie into city right-of-way; a retaining wall built entirely on private property is not addressed here.
Violations & Fines
Starting retaining-wall work on public right-of-way or property without an approved permit violates § 18-35; work rejected by the city as noncompliant must be removed at the owner's expense within ten days of written notice, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense under § 18-43.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall in Columbus, Georgia?
What does the permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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