Retaining walls in Skokie require a building permit when over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) or when they support a surcharge load. Engineering by a licensed Illinois structural engineer is required for taller walls.
Skokie follows the International Residential Code and International Building Code for retaining wall requirements. Any retaining wall exceeding 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall requires a building permit and engineered design by a licensed Illinois structural engineer. Walls supporting a surcharge (such as a driveway or structure above) require a permit regardless of height. Landscape walls under 4 feet without surcharge generally do not require a permit but must still comply with setback and drainage rules. Walls must not redirect drainage onto neighboring properties. Permit applications require engineered drawings, site plans, and drainage analysis. Contact Community Development at (847) 933-8235.
Walls built without required permits and engineering may be required to be removed. Fines of $100 to $1,000 per violation may apply. Walls that fail and cause property damage expose owners to civil liability. Double permit fees apply for after-the-fact permit applications.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle retaining walls.
See how Skokie's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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