Retaining and rockery walls follow the same height limits as fences in unincorporated Washoe County. Combined fences and walls cannot exceed 6 feet in required side and rear setbacks, and no wall may exceed the height of the residence.
The county Fences and Retaining Walls standards treat retaining and rockery walls like fences, with exceptions: a retaining wall may be separated horizontally from another by the height of the lower wall if the area between is landscaped; combined fences and retaining walls shall not exceed six (6) feet within the required side and rear setback areas; walls outside setback areas screened 90% from the street by the residence may exceed six feet; the wall height cannot exceed the height of the residence or structure; and walls are never allowed within or across county water, sewer or reclaimed-water easements. Development Code Interpretation 99-1 addresses applicability of height limits to retaining walls.
Non-conforming or unpermitted retaining walls may require redesign, permitting or removal; walls in county easements are prohibited outright.
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