Miami Beach regulates retaining walls through its zoning and building codes. Retaining walls require building permits, must meet HVHZ structural standards, and are particularly relevant given the city's sea level rise adaptation and stormwater management infrastructure projects.
Retaining walls in Miami Beach require building permits from the Building Department at (305) 673-7610. Structural retaining walls must be engineered to meet HVHZ wind and impact standards and are subject to the Florida Building Code structural requirements. Wall height is measured from the average finished grade elevation, and walls exceeding certain heights require engineered plans signed and sealed by a licensed Florida Professional Engineer. Retaining walls in the public right-of-way or adjacent to city infrastructure must be coordinated with the Public Works Department. Given Miami Beach's ongoing sea level rise adaptation projects, retaining walls near seawalls, stormwater systems, and raised roadways must not interfere with the city's resilience infrastructure. Decorative retaining walls under certain height thresholds may have simplified permit requirements. All walls must comply with zoning setback requirements and sight visibility triangles at intersections and driveways.
Unpermitted retaining walls are subject to code violations from Code Compliance at (305) 673-7555. Violations may require removal, engineering certification, or after-the-fact permitting with additional fees. Walls interfering with city infrastructure may require immediate removal.
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