Grand Rapids, MI Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Walls over 30 inches
- Residential front yard
- 3 ft maximum
- Residential side/rear yard
- 8 ft maximum
- Non-residential front yard
- 6 ft maximum
- Non-residential side/rear yard
- 10 ft maximum
Summary
Grand Rapids zoning caps retaining wall height under Table 5.2.11.C and requires a Zoning Permit for any wall over thirty inches, with taller walls allowed away from front yards.
Retaining walls may be tiered with separate spacing equivalent to the height of each installed wall section (e.g. wall height is three (3) feet, spacing to next wall shall be three (3) feet) to allow for the planting of vegetation. A single row of shrubs with a maximum on-center spacing of five (5) feet shall be located at the base of a retaining wall that is greater than three (3) feet tall within the front yard. Shrubs shall be a minimum of thirty (30) inches at the time of planting and at least four (4) feet high within four (4) years. Climbing plants, such as ivy may be permitted as an alternative with Director approval. 4 See Section 5.11.11. for parking lot screening requirements. 5 See Section 5.7.04.E. for required screening of outdoor storage in the SD-IT District, as well as Section 5.2.11.B.1. Prohibited Materials. 6 See Section 5.2.11.B.2. for waterfront lots.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).
Full Breakdown
Grand Rapids Code § 5.2.11 (Chapter 61, the Zoning Ordinance) requires a Zoning Permit for any fence or wall taller than thirty inches, and Table 5.2.11.C sets separate maximum heights for retaining walls. On residential lots a retaining wall is capped at 3 feet in the front yard and 8 feet in the side or rear yard; non-residential retaining walls may reach 6 feet in front and 10 feet in the side or rear. A front-yard retaining wall over 3 feet must be tiered with matching setback spacing and screened with a row of shrubs at least 30 inches tall at planting. Height is measured from grade at the wall's lowest point within 3 feet.
Violations & Fines
Building or replacing a retaining wall above the Table 5.2.11.C height limit, or skipping the required Zoning Permit for a wall over thirty inches, is a zoning violation subject to City enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a retaining wall in my Grand Rapids front yard?
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
Compare Grand Rapids to another location·View the Michigan fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Retaining Walls in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle retaining walls.