Skagit County, WA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt wall height
- 4 ft or less
- Height measured
- footing bottom to wall top
- Over 4 ft
- full zone setback + Title 15 permit
- Governing section
- SCC 14.28.040(1)(c)
- Civil penalty
- $100/day (SCC 14.09.330)
Summary
In unincorporated Skagit County, a retaining wall or rockery four feet in height or less, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, is exempt from Title 14 building setbacks under SCC 14.28.040(1)(c). Anything taller must meet the zone's regular setback and comply with the building code adopted under SCC Title 15.
(1) The setback rules in this Chapter (SCC 14.28.030 through 14.28.080) do not apply to: ... (c) Retaining walls and rockeries four feet in height or less, measured from bottom of footing to top of wall;
Full Breakdown
040 lists the structures that chapter exempts from those setback rules altogether. Subsection (1)(c) exempts retaining walls and rockeries four feet in height or less, with height measured from the bottom of the wall's footing to its top, a specific measurement point the code spells out so that walls built on sloped grade cannot be measured only from the uphill or downhill face. 030(1), which requires every project permit application to observe the minimum setback adopted for its zone. 030(8)(f) also folds in the applicable building code adopted under SCC Title 15, meaning a taller retaining wall needs the structural review that comes with a building permit, not just a setback check. 030(2)(b). 030(8)(b) lists as an additional setback source.
Violations & Fines
A retaining wall built taller than four feet without meeting the required setback, or without the building permit SCC Title 15 requires for it, is a Title 14 violation subject to the SCC 14.09.330 civil penalty of $100 per day, with the Director authorized to order the wall modified or removed as abatement under SCC 14.09.340.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a short retaining wall in unincorporated Skagit County?
How is retaining wall height measured?
What happens once a retaining wall passes four feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Skagit County
Compare Skagit County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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