DeKalb County, GA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- New wall height cap
- 4 feet from finished grade
- Walls 4 ft or more
- Licensed engineer certification
- Walls 4 ft or more
- Building permit and inspection
- Existing walls
- Repair or replace to original height
- Taller than the cap
- Needs ZBA variance
Summary
DeKalb County's zoning ordinance caps newly built retaining walls at 4 feet measured from finished grade, and any wall reaching 4 feet must be certified by a licensed engineer and carry a building permit and inspection under Sections 5.4.7.D.1 and 5.4.7.G.1.
Newly constructed retaining walls shall not be higher than four (4) feet measured from finished grade; however, existing retaining walls may be repaired and replaced so long as the height of the repaired or replaced wall is no greater than the original height of the wall. ... Retaining walls that are four (4) feet or more in height measured from the finished grade to the top of wall shall be certified by a licensed engineer. A building permit and building inspection are required.
Full Breakdown
Two subsections of DeKalb's zoning ordinance work together, and the way their numbers interact matters. 1 sets the height limit: a newly constructed retaining wall shall not be higher than four (4) feet measured from finished grade. 1 sets the engineering threshold: a retaining wall four (4) feet or more in height, measured from the finished grade to the top of the wall, must be certified by a licensed engineer, and a building permit and building inspection are required. 1 package, because "four feet or more" includes exactly four feet.
Anything taller than 4 feet cannot be newly built at all without a variance from the zoning board of appeals. 1 itself: an existing retaining wall may be repaired or replaced so long as the repaired or replaced wall is no greater than its original height, so a wall that predates the cap can be rebuilt to its original height without being shortened.
Violations & Fines
A retaining wall 4 feet or taller built without a licensed engineer's certification, a building permit, and a building inspection violates Section 5.4.7.G.1, and a new wall exceeding the 4-foot cap violates Section 5.4.7.D.1 unless a variance was granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in DeKalb County?
How tall can I build a new retaining wall without a variance?
Can I rebuild an old wall that is taller than 4 feet?
Does a wall built exactly at 4 feet need the engineer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeKalb County
Compare DeKalb County to another location·View the Georgia fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.