Ridgewood requires zoning permits for any retaining wall over two feet tall, with engineered drawings, soil reports, and grading plans signed by a licensed New Jersey professional engineer for review by the Village Engineer.
Ridgewood's zoning code requires a zoning permit before constructing, reconstructing, or altering retaining walls, except for walls two feet or less in height. Permit applications must include construction details, structural calculations, soil reports, foundation details, compaction certificates, and grading plans, all signed and sealed by a New Jersey-licensed professional engineer. Major retaining wall permits require a filing fee plus an escrow deposit covering the Village's professional review services. Applications are routed to the Engineering Department.
Constructing a retaining wall without a permit, or one that fails engineering review, can result in stop-work orders, removal orders, and fines. The Village may require restoration of grade and drainage.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle retaining walls.
See how Ridgewood's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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