Raleigh, NC Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The City of Raleigh regulates retaining walls under both the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the North Carolina State Building Code. A retaining wall is any structure designed to hold back soil where there is a change in grade. Walls 4 feet or less in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) generally do not require a building permit, though they must still comply with setback and drainage rules. Walls taller than 4 feet require a building permit from Raleigh Development Services and must be designed and sealed by a North Carolina-licensed professional engineer. Tiered walls that individually are under 4 feet but collectively retain more than 4 feet of soil or are closer than the wall height apart are treated as a single wall and require engineering review. Retaining walls cannot be constructed in public rights-of-way or easements without an encroachment agreement, and they cannot obstruct stormwater flow or divert runoff onto adjacent properties. In historic overlay districts, visible retaining walls require a Certificate of Appropriateness. Homeowners should consult with Raleigh Stormwater Services when walls are proposed near streams, buffers, or floodplain areas. Failure to obtain a required permit can result in a stop-work order and civil penalties.