DeKalb County requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall. Engineered plans required over 4 ft. Land disturbance permits required for significant grading.
DeKalb County Code and the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code require a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Walls over 4 feet must have engineered plans stamped by a Georgia-licensed professional engineer. Surcharge loads (driveways, structures, slopes above the wall) can lower the permit-free threshold — even walls under 4 ft may require engineering with surcharge. Walls near property lines must meet zoning setbacks under DeKalb Zoning Code Chapter 27. Drainage behind the wall must be addressed. Disturbing over 1 acre triggers a land disturbance permit under the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act. Tree impact review required if protected trees are within construction zone.
Unpermitted walls over 4 ft: stop-work, retroactive engineering and permit plus double fees. Failure to address drainage: correction order. Fines up to $1,000 in Recorder's Court.
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