Marysville, WA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-exempt height
- 4 ft or less (footing to top)
- Terracing required
- over 4 ft, street/lot visible
- Landscape bed between tiers
- 2 ft minimum width
- Waiver authority
- community development director
Summary
Marysville retaining walls over 4 feet need a building permit, and any wall over 4 feet that is visible from the street or a neighboring property must be terraced with landscaped tiers.
If retaining walls taller than four feet are used, as measured from the average grade, and are visible from the street or adjacent property, they shall be terraced so that no individual segment is taller than four feet; provided, that where adjacent properties are not adversely affected or the retaining wall is minor in nature, the community development director may reduce or waive these standards. Terraced walls shall be separated by a landscaping bed at least two feet in width. Alternative landscaping treatments will be considered, provided they reduce the bulk and scale of the retaining wall and enhance the streetscape or transition between properties. Figure 1. Tall retaining walls must be terraced with landscaping as depicted below.
(5) Sensitive Areas. No land-disturbing activity shall be permitted in a regulated sensitive area, except as otherwise allowed by applicable laws and permits.
(6) Clean-Up. Persons and/or firms engaged in clearing, grading, filling, or drainage activities shall be responsible for the maintenance of work areas free of debris or other material that may cause damage to or siltation of existing or new facilities or have the potential of creating a safety hazard.
(7)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4922912; v1 updated 2026-06-08; through 06-08-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's building code amendments, retaining walls 4 feet or less (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) are exempt from a building permit unless they support a surcharge or impound hazardous liquids; taller walls need one. Separately, under the grading and erosion-control chapter, any retaining wall taller than 4 feet that is visible from the street or an adjacent property must be terraced so no single segment exceeds 4 feet, with each tier separated by a landscaping bed at least 2 feet wide. The community development director may reduce or waive terracing for minor walls or where neighbors aren't adversely affected.
Violations & Fines
Building an exempt-looking wall over 4 feet without a permit, or skipping required terracing on a street-visible wall, exposes the owner to a stop-work order and required correction before the city will sign off on the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Marysville require a permit for a retaining wall?
Do tall retaining walls need to be terraced in Marysville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marysville
Compare Marysville to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Retaining Walls in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle retaining walls.