Prince George's County's Zoning Ordinance limits retaining walls to 6 feet in height from finished grade, allowing up to 10 feet only for foundations, driveways, or as expressly permitted. Walls over 6 feet must meet the zone's building setbacks and terraces need landscaping.
Section 27-6609 states a retaining wall may support steep slopes but should not exceed 6 feet in height from finished grade, except for a foundation wall, a driveway from street to garage, or as otherwise allowed, where it still must not exceed 10 feet. Retaining walls over 6 feet high must comply with the building setbacks of their zone unless site grades are lower. Any terrace between two 6-foot walls should be at least 3 feet wide, walls over 6 feet must be separated by 5 horizontal feet, and terraces must be permanently landscaped. Walls must be faced with stone, brick, or earth-colored materials and meet the Building Code.
Retaining walls exceeding 6 feet outside the listed exceptions, or over-6-foot walls that ignore zone setbacks, violate the ordinance and can require redesign, a variance, or removal.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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