Henrico County, VA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 24-5407
- Landscaping trigger
- 6 ft over line within 20 ft
- Terrace min width
- 3 ft (5 ft if taller)
- Building permit
- Required for structural walls
- Only wall standards apply
- Not general fence rules
Summary
Retaining walls in Henrico County are governed by Sec. 24-5407 of Chapter 24. A wall more than six feet higher than a property line within 20 feet, or more than ten feet higher within 50 feet, must be supplemented with landscaping. Tall walls should be terraced in six-foot sections.
If the elevation at the top of a retaining wall, including a terraced retaining wall, is more than six feet higher than a property line within 20 feet, or more than ten feet higher than a property line within 50 feet, the base of the retaining wall must be supplemented with landscaping.
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 24-5407, only the retaining-wall standards (not the general fence standards) apply to retaining walls. If the elevation at the top of a retaining wall is more than six feet higher than a property line within 20 feet, or more than ten feet higher than a property line within 50 feet, the base must be supplemented with landscaping under Sec. 24-5406.B. Two retaining walls each under six feet must be separated by a terrace at least three feet wide; if either exceeds six feet, the terrace must be at least five feet wide. Structural retaining walls also require a building permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Violations & Fines
A retaining wall that violates Chapter 24 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 with escalating fines for continued violation (Sec. 24-7602); building-code violations carry separate USBC penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to landscape my retaining wall in Henrico County?
How wide must terraces be between stacked retaining walls?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henrico County
Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia fence regulations overview
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