Fairfax County, VA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee, IBC-reviewed wall (commercial/multi-family)
- 5.13% of construction cost
- Fee, IRC-reviewed wall (single-family detached)
- 3.00% of construction cost
- Base permit fee minimum
- $135.00
- Plan review filing fee, single-family
- 50% of permit fee
- Permit expires if work not started
- within 6 months
- Appeal deadline, new construction
- 90 calendar days
Summary
Fairfax County regulates retaining wall construction as a permitted building activity under Chapter 61, not as a zoning setback issue. Appendix Q, Section I.B(L) sets the permit fee as a percentage of estimated construction cost: 5.13% for walls reviewed under the International Building Code (commercial or multi-family) and 3.00% for walls reviewed under the International Residential Code (single-family detached).
(L)Retaining Walls: The fee for installation and repair of a retaining wall: • Retaining walls reviewed/inspected under the International Building Code (generally commercial or multi-family) Percentage of the estimated cost of construction 5.13% • Retaining walls reviewed/inspected under the International Residential Code (generally single-family detached dwellings) (The permittee must provide verifiable detail of the cost of construction.) Percentage of the estimated cost of construction. 3.00%
Full Breakdown
00% when reviewed under the International Residential Code, typically single-family detached lots. The permittee must supply verifiable cost-of-construction detail to calculate the fee; a base fee of $135 applies to permits that would otherwise fall below that minimum under Section 61-1-3(d)(1). G. Section 61-1-4(d) requires that where required by law or where the Building Official determines it necessary, construction documents for the permit application, including retaining wall plans, be prepared, signed and sealed by a registered design professional licensed in Virginia. Once issued, a retaining wall permit becomes invalid under Section 61-1-4(c) if work is not commenced within six months, or if work on site is suspended or abandoned for six months; the burden of proving the work was not abandoned falls on the permit holder, and the Building Official may grant extensions of up to one year each on written request.
Violations & Fines
Retaining wall construction without the required Chapter 61 building permit, or work that lapses under an invalid permit, is enforced by the Building Official within the Department of Land Development Services, who can require the applicant to reapply and pay fees again under Section 61-1-3. A Building Official decision on a retaining wall permit, including a refusal to approve plans or a determination that sealed engineering documents are required, may be appealed under Section 61-2-2 to the Fairfax County Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals within 90 calendar days of the decision for new construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall in Fairfax County?
How much does a Fairfax County retaining wall permit cost?
Does a Fairfax County retaining wall need engineered, sealed plans?
What happens if I don't finish my retaining wall permit within six months?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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