Lakewood, CO Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Lakewood's two governing instruments split retaining wall regulation between zoning and construction standards. Under the Zoning Ordinance's Residential Fence and Wall Standards, "Retaining walls greater than 3 feet in height require a building permit and must satisfy all engineering design requirements" (Zoning Ordinance Sec. 17.6.6.1.B). Structures under 8 feet long and 6 feet high are otherwise exempt from the general fence/wall permit rule in Sec. 17.6.6.1.A, but that exemption does not reach the retaining-wall-specific 3-foot trigger. Where a wall is paired with a fence, Sec. 17.6.6.2.G caps the combination at 6 feet above the highest finished grade or 8 feet above the lowest finished grade, and Sec. 17.6.6.2.H bars building a retaining wall for the purpose of raising a fence beyond the height Sec. 17.6.6.2.E already allows.

The Municipal Code's excavation and grading chapter goes further on engineering. Section 14.21.150 states "Any retaining wall exceeding 30 inches in height shall be designed and sealed by a Professional Engineer," and if a series of adjacent walls are structurally interdependent, their combined height is reviewed as one wall. Every design is reviewed by city staff for structural stability and compatibility with the site; Planning Department and Public Works staff inspect walls on private property, while Engineering inspects walls in the public right-of-way or an easement. Applicants must submit the retaining wall checklist from the city's current Engineering Regulations, Construction Specifications and Design Standards with every request.

Fees are separate line items: Sec. 14.21.090.B and .C both provide that "Separate plan review fees shall apply to retaining walls or major drainage structures," set by City Council resolution and distinct from the base grading permit fee. A denied wall or grading plan can be appealed to the Planning Commission within 14 days of the written denial under Sec. 14.21.080, on payment of an appeal fee; the Commission's decision is final, with further appeal going to Jefferson County District Court.