Mesa requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height including the surcharge. Retaining walls combined with fences on top have cumulative height calculations under the building code.
Retaining walls in Mesa that exceed 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) require a building permit and engineered plans. When a fence is placed on top of a retaining wall, the combined height is regulated by the zoning code. Retaining walls must meet structural requirements in the adopted building code (Title 4). Drainage and grading considerations are part of the permit review. Retaining walls near property lines may require setbacks or neighbor notification.
Unpermitted retaining walls over 4 feet may be subject to enforcement action including mandatory engineering review and potential removal if found structurally deficient.
Mesa, AZ
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Mesa, AZ
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Mesa, AZ
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Mesa, AZ
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Mesa, AZ
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Mesa, AZ
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle retaining walls.
See how Mesa's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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