Pinellas County treats retaining walls under the Florida Building Code adopted in Chapter 22 and Sec. 138-3702, requiring permits for most walls and counting them toward fence height unless separated by three feet.
Pinellas County does not have a freestanding retaining-wall ordinance. Instead, retaining walls are reviewed under the Florida Building Code as adopted by Chapter 22 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and the fence-and-wall provisions of Sec. 138-3702. Walls retaining more than minor grade differences typically require a building permit and may need engineered drawings. When a fence is mounted on top of a retaining wall, the wall height counts toward the maximum fence height under Sec. 138-3702 unless at least three feet of horizontal separation exists between the wall edge and the fence. Drainage, weep holes, and guardrails are required for taller walls. Walls in flood hazard areas under Chapter 158 face additional review.
Building a retaining wall without a required permit can trigger stop-work orders, after-the-fact permit fees, structural redesign demands, daily fines, and demolition where drainage or safety standards are not met.
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County requires a building permit for most fences and walls under Chapter 138 Article X Division 4, with Building and Development Review Services co...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County's Sec. 138-3505 sets how front, side, and rear setbacks are measured for every zoning district, with district-specific minimum yard depths in...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County's Land Development Code Section 138-3702 caps residential fence heights at six feet in side and rear yards and three feet inside the front bu...
See how Pinellas County's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.