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Hammond, IN Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Height measured from
grade at the low side of the wall
Combined cap
must conform to § 150.127 and § 150.128(A)
Front-yard walls
Building Commissioner may refuse if unsightly/detrimental
No stated requirement
no separate permit or engineering certification printed

Summary

Hammond ties retaining-wall height to its fence limits: § 150.130 measures a fence built on top of a retaining wall from the grade at the low side, and caps the combined wall-plus-fence height at the § 150.127 and § 150.128(A) limits. Section 150.134 separately lets the Building Commissioner reject a front-yard retaining wall found unsightly or detrimental to neighbors.

In the case of a fence being erected on top of a retaining wall, height shall be measured from the grade at the low side of the wall. Total height of the wall and the fence are to conform with §§ 150.127 and 150.128(A).

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Full Breakdown

128(A) (the corner-lot side-street rule). In practice, that means a tall retaining wall leaves less room for the fence sitting on it before the combination trips the underlying fence-height ceiling. 134 covers a different situation: a retaining wall proposed for a front yard, whether or not any fence sits on it. That section does not set a numeric height cap or require engineering plans; instead it gives the Building Commissioner discretion to simply refuse the wall if, in the Commissioner's opinion, it would be unsightly or detrimental to adjoining properties. 130.

Violations & Fines

A retaining wall and fence combination that exceeds the § 150.127 or § 150.128(A) height limits, or a front-yard retaining wall the Building Commissioner has found unsightly or detrimental under § 150.134, is enforced through the chapter's general penalty at § 150.999. The Code Enforcement Commissioner can additionally order removal of a resulting fence found dangerous or dilapidated under § 150.133.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is retaining wall height measured for a Hammond fence on top of it?
Section 150.130 measures the fence's height from the grade at the low side of the retaining wall, not the high side. The wall and the fence together still have to conform to the height limits set in § 150.127 and § 150.128(A), so a taller wall leaves less allowance for the fence built on top of it.
Can Hammond reject a retaining wall in my front yard?
Yes. Section 150.134 lets the Building Commissioner refuse a retaining wall proposed for a front yard if, in the Commissioner's opinion, it would be unsightly or detrimental to adjoining properties. The section does not set a numeric height limit for the decision; it leaves the call to the Commissioner's judgment on the specific wall proposed.
Does Hammond require engineering plans for a retaining wall?
The code sections covering retaining walls, §§ 150.130 and 150.134, do not print a separate engineering-certification requirement or an independent retaining-wall permit fee. The only numeric limits that apply come indirectly, through whatever fence height § 150.127 and § 150.128(A) allow on top of the wall the fence sits on.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hammond

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All Hammond rules

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