Retaining walls over 4 feet in Middlesex County require a building permit and engineered design per MA State Building Code 780 CMR. Wetlands Protection Act may apply near streams or wetlands.
Retaining wall construction in Middlesex County cities and towns is regulated by the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, which requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or for any wall supporting a surcharge. Walls of this size must be designed and stamped by a Massachusetts registered professional engineer. Walls within 100 feet of wetlands, streams, or vernal pools trigger jurisdiction under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Chapter 131 Section 40), requiring a Notice of Intent filed with the local Conservation Commission. Hilly Middlesex communities like Belmont, Arlington, Winchester, Weston, and Lincoln see frequent retaining wall projects. Contact the local Building Department for permit requirements and the Conservation Commission for wetlands review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Middlesex County, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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