Nashua, NH Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- over 4 ft above footing base
- Residential fee
- $25 min or $0.15/linear ft
- Commercial fee
- $50 min or $0.30/linear ft
- Issuing office
- Department of Building Safety
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 105, Building Construction
Summary
Nashua requires a building permit for any retaining wall taller than four feet above the base of its footing, with the permit fee set by a separate residential and commercial fee schedule.
(10) Retaining walls over four feet in height above base of footing: [Amended 3-9-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-045]
(a) Residential: minimum $25 or $0.15 per linear foot (whichever is greater).
(b) Commercial: minimum $50 or $0.30 per linear foot (whichever is greater).
(11) Minimum fee for miscellaneous equipment (each), excluding the application fee, where not otherwise provided for by this section [for example: residential antennas, small sheds (less than 200 square feet), or construction trailers] or as deemed appropriate by the Building Official or his or her designee: [Amended 3-9-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-045]
(a) Residential: $30.
(b) Commercial: $50.
(12) Reinspection of the same work due to the failure to pass an initial inspection or the unavailability of the premises at the time of initial inspection: $75.
(13) Phased construction (foundation permits, interior demolition permits or shell permits): Phased construction shall be charged a 25% surcharge on the original permit fee for each upgrade phase.
(14) Surcharge for permits issued after construction started without a permit: 100% of applicable fee, but not to exceed $275 residential/$750 commercial. [Amended 3-9-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-045]
(15) Expedite-service fee for special processing and after-hours service: $80 per hour per staff member, with a minimum of $250 for weekends or time not contiguous with normal work hours. [Amended 3-9-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-045]
B.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4805762; v29 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the Building Code (Chapter 105), retaining wall work is priced in the same fee schedule that covers new construction, additions and alterations, meaning a permit is required whenever the wall clears the four-foot threshold measured from the base of the footing. Residential walls carry a minimum $25 fee or $0.15 per linear foot, whichever is greater; commercial walls carry a minimum $50 fee or $0.30 per linear foot, whichever is greater. Permits are issued through the Department of Building Safety and must be paid before work begins.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit, or work that deviates from the approved documents, falls under the Chapter 105 violations provision (§ 105-6), which routes enforcement through NRO Chapter 74 and RSA 676:15-17-b, the City's general building-code penalty scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a short retaining wall in Nashua?
How much does a Nashua retaining wall permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
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