San Antonio regulates retaining walls under Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-181 et seq. and UDC § 35-514. Retaining walls under 4 feet tall do not require a building permit. The height of existing retaining walls is included in fence height calculations under UDC § 35-514, though barriers required by the International Building Code on top of retaining walls are exempt from this calculation.
San Antonio regulates retaining walls to ensure structural safety and proper drainage. Walls up to 4 feet typically do not require a permit. Walls over 4 feet require a building permit and may need engineered plans stamped by a licensed professional engineer. Surcharge loads from driveways, structures, or slopes above the wall may lower the permit-free threshold. Drainage behind the wall is critical and must be addressed in design. Setback requirements apply to retaining walls near property lines.
Unpermitted walls: stop-work order, required engineering review, potential demolition. Fines $200 to $1,000.
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