Rowlett, TX Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Retaining walls in Rowlett are handled through the building/permitting process rather than by a dedicated height cap in the fence ordinance. The city's fence permit application is used for both fences and retaining walls, and the building department's submittal guidance requires that any retaining wall totaling four feet or more in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall at any point along the wall, be supported by engineered plans prepared by a design professional. This 4-foot engineering threshold mirrors the International Residential Code standard that Rowlett adopts through Chapter 78, Article II (the city adopts the International Building/Residential Codes with local amendments). Walls under four feet that do not support a surcharge generally do not require engineered plans but still require a permit when built as part of a fence/retaining-wall project. A retaining wall that also acts as a fence (for example a masonry screening wall) must additionally meet the fence material and height rules of Sec. 78-313 in the yard where it is located. Because grade, drainage, and surcharge loads (such as a driveway or slope above the wall) affect the design, owners should confirm requirements with Building Safety (5702 Rowlett Road; 972-412-6100) before construction, and should also verify the wall stays on their own property and does not divert drainage onto a neighbor.