Mahwah caps accessory retaining walls behind the front facade at 6 feet and requires construction permits with engineering for taller residential walls.
Chapter 24 of Mahwah's code allows accessory retaining walls and fences to project into required yards when located behind the front facade of the principal structure, provided they do not exceed 6 feet in height from finished grade. Residential retaining walls over 4 feet measured from footing to top require a construction permit with engineered drawings. Mahwah's fee schedule lists a $75 permit fee for residential retaining walls over 4 feet and $200 for commercial walls over 3 feet. Walls under 4 feet near property lines typically still need a zoning permit.
Construction permit revocation, structural compliance orders, fines.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle retaining walls.
See how Mahwah's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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