Retaining walls in Dearborn under 4 feet tall measured from bottom of footing require no permit. Walls 4 feet or taller require a building permit with engineered plans per Michigan Residential Code.
Dearborn follows the Michigan Residential Code for retaining wall permitting. Walls less than 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and not supporting a surcharge (such as a driveway or pool), are exempt from permits but must still comply with zoning setbacks. Walls 4 feet and taller, or any wall supporting a surcharge regardless of height, require a building permit with drawings sealed by a Michigan licensed engineer. Terraced walls stepped back with clear horizontal separation may each qualify as individual walls. Drainage must be addressed with gravel backfill and weep holes. Walls along the Rouge River or within flood zones need additional review. Fences on top of walls add to combined height limits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle retaining walls.
See how Dearborn's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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