Queens County, NY Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Retaining wall construction in Queens is governed by NYC Building Code Chapter 18 (Soils and Foundations), specifically Section 1807, and NYC Administrative Code 28-105. Any retaining wall over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, requires a Department of Buildings work permit with plans filed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA). Walls retaining surcharge loads (loads from adjacent structures, driveways, or slopes) require engineering regardless of height. Queens has significant topography variation: properties in Forest Hills Gardens, Jamaica Estates, Malba, and parts of Douglaston feature sloped lots that commonly require retaining walls. The NYC Building Code requires geotechnical soil analysis for walls over 10 feet tall. Special inspection is required during construction for reinforced concrete walls. All retaining walls over 6 feet must include safety barriers (fences or guardrails) to prevent falls. Existing walls that become unsafe may be declared immediately hazardous by DOB inspectors and ordered demolished at owner expense. Historic masonry retaining walls in Queens neighborhoods like Sunnyside Gardens may require Landmarks review.