Eden Prairie, MN Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Section 11.55, Subd. 3.C.7 exempts from the general Land Alteration Permit requirement 'retaining walls less than four (4) feet in height and twenty-five (25) feet in length that are constructed in a manner which does not change the existing Stormwater Drainage,' including a single or tiered retaining wall system. Any wall exceeding either dimension, or one that alters existing drainage, falls back under the general permit rule in Subd. 3.A, which makes it unlawful to engage in Land Alteration, defined to include grading and movement of earth, without first obtaining a City permit.

Within the shoreland overlay near Eden Prairie's lakes and rivers, Section 11.50, Subd. 9.C.2.c removes the small-wall exemption entirely: a land alteration permit is required for the placement of retaining walls, including boulder walls, anywhere within the shore impact zone or bluff impact zone, regardless of the wall's height or length. Permit applications must include site plans, grading plans at a minimum scale of one inch to fifty feet, and, for larger sites, a Certified Contractor's erosion control measures. Because retaining walls are also impervious surfaces under § 11.50's shoreland definitions, any wall built in the shoreland overlay is counted toward the lot's 30% or 70% impervious coverage cap under Subd.

9.D, and walls placed within a bluff impact zone are barred outright by Subd. 9.C.3.e regardless of size. A homeowner planning a retaining wall near Staring Lake, Riley Lake or the Minnesota River bluffs should confirm shore or bluff impact zone status with the City Engineer before assuming the four-foot exemption applies.