Washoe County, NV Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The county Fences and Retaining Walls standards treat retaining and rockery walls like fences, with exceptions: a retaining wall may be separated horizontally from another by the height of the lower wall if the area between is landscaped; combined fences and retaining walls shall not exceed six (6) feet within the required side and rear setback areas; walls outside setback areas screened 90% from the street by the residence may exceed six feet; the wall height cannot exceed the height of the residence or structure; and walls are never allowed within or across county water, sewer or reclaimed-water easements. Development Code Interpretation 99-1 addresses applicability of height limits to retaining walls.