Retaining walls in Madison must be set back at least one foot from any dedicated easement or right-of-way. Unlike fences, retaining walls are not exempt from that easement clearance rule under the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 5-7-4 of the City of Madison Zoning Ordinance governs easements and rights-of-way: buildings and other structures, including retaining walls (but excluding fences), must be no closer than one foot from a dedicated easement or right-of-way, measured for above-ground, ground-level, and subterranean structures. Retaining walls used for screening or as part of a required buffer must also complement the building's architectural style and materials. Structural retaining walls of significant height typically require a building permit and engineered design through the Building Department.
A retaining wall encroaching into an easement or right-of-way violates Section 5-7-4 and can be ordered corrected or removed. Unpermitted structural walls may require after-the-fact permitting and inspection.
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