Georgetown's UDC fence section does not set a retaining-wall height limit; instead, retaining walls follow the adopted building code. Per the city's permit guidance, a permit is not required for retaining walls four feet or less measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless the wall supports a surcharge.
Georgetown's Unified Development Code regulates fences in Section 8.07 but does not establish a separate height limit for retaining walls; the fence section addresses drainage and utility conflicts in Sec. 8.07.030.J, requiring Development Engineer review for any fencing or masonry wall that would divert stormwater or sit near a public utility easement. The threshold for when a retaining wall needs a building permit comes from the building code Georgetown has adopted (International Residential/Building Code), as reflected on the city's permit-information page: a building permit is not required for retaining walls that are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless the wall is supporting a surcharge (an added load such as a slope, driveway, or structure above it). Walls taller than four feet, or any wall supporting a surcharge, require a permit and engineered design. Masonry or similar walls with a poured foundation proposed near a public utility easement or buried/above-ground utility equipment require review by the Development Engineer and may require a License to Encroach under Section 3.21. Walls must also comply with the sight-triangle rule of Sec. 8.07.030.F. Owners should confirm current adopted code editions and submittal requirements with Georgetown's Inspections Department before building.
Constructing a retaining wall over four feet (footing to top), or any wall supporting a surcharge, without a permit and engineered plans violates the adopted building code. A wall that diverts stormwater onto neighbors or encroaches on a utility easement without Development Engineer approval can trigger correction or removal.
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