Lower Paxton, PA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Lower Paxton Township Code § 180-519, Site retaining walls, sits in the subdivision and land development chapter. Under subsection A, when retaining walls are required to accommodate grade changes as part of a subdivision or land development plan, the plan must contain design and construction details, including a layout and grading plan and a site adapted typical design section showing all construction requirements.

Subsection B is the engineering rule. Design calculations must be provided for all design conditions, and the wall design must be prepared and certified by a professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania experienced in structural design and geotechnical engineering principles. The calculations must include existing soils information, lateral soil pressure and all loading conditions, an analysis for overturning, sliding and foundation bearing pressure, a global stability analysis, and the design of all structural components with appropriate factors of safety. The exemption is narrow: small landscaping, garden or similar walls less than four feet in height that do not support buildings, parking facilities or other structurally significant site features.

Subsection C controls placement near streets. A wall near or adjacent to a street right-of-way line must sit far enough back that the angle of repose of the retained soil does not encroach on the right-of-way and affect the roadway or public infrastructure if the wall should fail or be removed. No portion of any wall, such as foundations, reinforcing materials or railing, can be located in a public right-of-way owned or maintained by the Township. Subsection D sends retaining walls attached to and substantially part of buildings through the building permit application review. Subsection E requires fencing, railing or other protective measures, to the Township's satisfaction and in accordance with applicable building codes, for any retaining wall greater than four feet in height with pedestrian traffic near the top. Subsection F requires plans with walls on or affecting multiple properties to provide for private access, maintenance and repair.

The section governs walls shown on subdivision and land development plans. It does not print a separate permit fee or a freestanding height limit for an individual homeowner's garden wall.