Parsippany-Troy Hills regulates retaining walls under Chapter 430 (Zoning) and Chapter 159 (Fences, Walls and Other Safeguards). Retaining walls over 6 feet must be tiered at every 6-foot interval with each tier set back a minimum of 3 feet for plantings. Walls up to 4 feet may be placed in a front yard for grading, subject to sight-triangle limits. All retaining walls are subject to construction codes and require applicable permits.
Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Code Chapter 430 (Zoning) and Chapter 159 (Fences, Walls and Other Safeguards) together govern retaining walls. Necessary retaining walls up to 4 feet in height are permitted within a front yard for site grading, subject to sight triangle considerations and provided at least 3 feet of planted space between each tiered wall. Retaining walls greater than 6 feet in height must be tiered at every 6-foot interval, with each tier set back a minimum of 3 feet to provide planting space. Fences and walls must be constructed at least 6 inches from the property line with the finished side facing outward. All retaining walls are subject to applicable construction codes and permits; the zoning permit fee for a residential wall, fence, deck, patio, pool, shed, or driveway is $50, and a separate construction permit (with size-based fees) is required for the wall itself when triggered by the Uniform Construction Code.
Building or maintaining a non-compliant retaining wall is a zoning violation. The Zoning Officer can issue a notice of violation requiring redesign, tiering, or removal. Construction without the required Uniform Construction Code permit can lead to stop-work orders, fines, and after-the-fact permitting at increased fees.
See how Parsippany's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.