Eagan, MN Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The City of Eagan's published Fences handout addresses fences but does not establish a distinct local height or permit standard specifically for retaining walls. Where the City has no separate rule, the Minnesota State Building Code governs. Minnesota Rules 1300.0120, subpart 4, exempts from a building permit only 'retaining walls that are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.' In practical terms, a retaining wall over four feet (measured footing-to-top, not from finished grade) requires a building permit, and any wall supporting a surcharge—an added load such as a structure, pool, driveway, parking area, or sloped soil above the wall—requires a permit at any height. Permitted walls over four feet typically must be designed with engineered plans. Because the four-foot measurement starts at the bottom of the footing rather than the visible ground, a wall that looks shorter from the front may still cross the threshold. Eagan residents should confirm requirements and submittal details with the City's Building Inspections Division before construction, and tiered or terraced wall systems may be evaluated together depending on spacing.