Milwaukee County has no retaining-wall ordinance for private land. Wall permits, height thresholds and engineering requirements are set by each incorporated city or village, so check your municipality's building code.
Because Milwaukee County does not regulate private construction, retaining-wall rules come from your municipality. Most Wisconsin cities and villages, following the state building code, require a permit and engineered plans once a wall exceeds a set height (commonly 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing). Walls that support a surcharge or a slope may need a permit at lower heights. Contact your city or village building or inspection office for the exact threshold, setback and drainage requirements that apply to your lot.
Building an over-height retaining wall without the required municipal permit or engineering can bring a stop-work order, corrective engineering, or an order to rebuild. Penalties are set locally.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Greenfield, WI
Greenfield regulates loud and disturbing noise through Chapter 10 (Public Peace and Good Order) of the City Code, with state backstop under Wis. Stat. §947.0...
Greenfield, WI
Greenfield regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Greenfield, WI
Persistent animal noise in Greenfield is a nuisance under Chapter 11 (Public Nuisances) and Chapter 12 (Health and Sanitation). Excessive barking disturbing ...
Greenfield, WI
Greenfield requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Greenfield, WI
Large commercial vehicles are restricted in Greenfield residential zones under city zoning code. Contact Greenfield Inspection Services for specific requirem...
Greenfield, WI
RV and recreational vehicle parking in Greenfield residential areas is governed by city zoning code (Ch. 21). Generally one RV permitted per lot with setback...
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