Minneapolis, MN Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Front-yard wall height cap
- 3 feet above natural grade
- Grade-retaining walls
- permitted in any required yard
- Governing code
- Zoning Code Table 540-22
- Old standalone chapter
- repealed 2019 (former Ch. 113)
Summary
Minneapolis zoning code caps front-yard retaining walls that raise grade at 3 feet, while walls that hold the natural grade are allowed in any required yard.
Retaining walls, where natural grade is retained [Permitted in Front, Interior Side, and Rear Yard]. Retaining walls, in the front yard only, not retaining natural grade where proposed grade is increased to match the top of the existing slope or up to three (3) feet in height above natural grade, whichever is less. [Permitted in Front Yard only]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Under the zoning code's yard-obstruction table, a retaining wall that simply retains natural grade is a permitted obstruction in front, side, and rear yards. But a wall that raises grade above natural grade is limited to the front yard only, and its height cannot exceed the top of the existing slope or 3 feet above natural grade, whichever is less. Retaining walls also appear as required screening for erosion control (rock riprap) in shoreland overlay districts, and pre-1990 walls encroaching into the public right-of-way needed a separate encroachment permit from the city engineer. Minneapolis repealed its old standalone retaining-wall chapter (former Chapter 113) in 2019, folding wall regulation into the zoning code's yard-obstruction and grading standards instead.
Violations & Fines
Retaining walls that violate the yard-obstruction table are zoning code violations, enforceable by the city's Department of Community Planning and Economic Development through a correction notice and, if unresolved, administrative citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a retaining wall be in my front yard in Minneapolis?
Can I build a retaining wall in my side or rear yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.