Fort Lauderdale regulates retaining walls under the ULDR and the Florida Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require building permits with sealed engineering drawings. The city's flat topography and high water table create unique foundation challenges.
Retaining walls in Fort Lauderdale are regulated under the ULDR Section 47-19.5 (which governs fences, walls, and hedges) and the Florida Building Code. Walls over 4 feet in height from the lowest grade to the top of the wall require building permits with sealed engineering drawings from a Florida-licensed professional engineer. Fort Lauderdale's flat topography means retaining walls are less common than in hilly areas, but they are used along waterfront properties to manage grade changes at sea walls and bulkheads. All retaining walls must comply with HVHZ wind-load requirements. Walls along waterways may also require Broward County Environmental Licensing approval.
Unpermitted retaining walls may result in code enforcement action including mandatory removal. Walls that fail during storms may create liability for the property owner. Contact Building Services at 954-828-5929.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Broward County.
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