Greensboro, NC Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Under the Greensboro Land Development Ordinance Section 30-9-4, retaining walls or berms below a fence are considered part of the overall fence or wall height. This means a 4-foot retaining wall topped by a 4-foot fence creates an 8-foot structure for regulatory purposes. Retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height require a building permit and engineered construction plans reviewed by the Engineering and Inspections Department. In single-family residential street setback areas, retaining walls are limited to 4 feet. Permit fees typically range from $150 to $600 based on estimated project value. The approval process takes approximately two weeks and requires stamped engineering drawings. Retaining walls must not obstruct natural water drainage in streams, creeks, swales, or ditches per Section 30-9-4.7. All retaining walls must comply with the 2018 North Carolina Building Code structural requirements. Contact the Greensboro Engineering and Inspections Department at 336-373-2155 or visit 300 W. Washington St. for specific project guidance.