Lubbock, TX Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

062, Building work, lists the construction that Lubbock's Building Official will waive a permit for, and item (4) covers retaining walls. The exemption applies only to a wall that is not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and only if the wall is not supporting a surcharge, extra load from a slope, structure, or vehicle above it, and is not impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids, categories that cover flammable and combustible fuels.

062(4) and needs a permit under the city's general building permit requirements before construction can start, with plans submitted for review by the Building Official. The 4-foot threshold is measured the same way regardless of yard location, front, side, or rear, and applies citywide since it sits in the general building code administered under Chapter 28, not in a district-specific zoning standard. Homeowners retaining a slope taller than 4 feet, or building near a driveway or grade change that could load the wall with vehicle weight, should treat the project as needing a permit rather than assume the exemption covers it.