Paterson, NJ Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Small residential wall fee
- $95 flat (≤549 sq ft)
- Larger residential wall fee
- $189 flat (>550 sq ft)
- Other structures
- $15 per $1,000, $50 min
- Maintenance duty
- Good repair required, § 271-44
Summary
Paterson charges a flat construction-permit fee for small residential retaining walls and a cost-based fee for larger or non-residential walls, and requires existing walls stay in good repair.
Fees for retaining walls shall be as follows:
(1) A retaining wall with a surface area greater than 550 square feet that is associated with a Class 3 residential structure shall have a flat fee of $189.
(2) A retaining wall with a surface area of 549 square feet or less that is associated with a Class 3 residential structure shall have a flat fee of $95.
(3) A newly constructed retaining wall of any size other than Class 3 residential structures shall be based on the cost of construction as follows:
(a) Fifteen dollars per $1,000.
(b) Minimum fee of $50.
§ 183-6. Plumbing subcode fee. [Amended 10-22-1985 by Ord. No. 85-093; 5-26-1992 by Ord. No. 92-025; 12-21-2004 by Ord. No. 04-086; 1-25-2011 by Ord. No. 11-003] The plumbing subcode fee shall be based on the following fee schedule:
All Fixtures/Equipment Type of Fixture/Equipment Fee Water closet $20 Urinal/bidet $20 Bathtub $20 Laboratory $20 Shower $20 Floor drain $20 Sink $20 Dishwasher $20 Drinking fountain $20 Washing machine/clothes dryer $20 Gas piping $75 Fuel oil piping $75 Water heater $40 Steam boiler $50 Hot-water boiler $50 Sewer pump $25 Interceptor/separator $75 Backflow preventer, residential $15 Stacks $15 Hose bib $15 Seepage pit $75 HVAC unit $50 Condensate drain $25 Backflow preventer, commercial 2 inches or less $25; over 2 inches $60 Grease trap $75 Water-cooled air conditioning or refrigeration $75 Sewer/water connection $75
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under the building subcode fee schedule, a new retaining wall tied to a Class 3 residential structure carries a flat $95 permit fee if its surface area is 549 square feet or less, rising to $189 above 550 square feet; walls serving other structure classes are fee'd at $15 per $1,000 of construction cost with a $50 minimum. Separately, Chapter 271's property-maintenance code requires that existing retaining walls and fences 'be maintained in good repair and painted where required,' backed by that chapter's inspection and penalty provisions.
Violations & Fines
Property-maintenance violations, including a retaining wall left in disrepair, can bring a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or up to 90 days' community service under § 271-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall in Paterson?
Can code enforcement cite me for a crumbling retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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