Spokane Valley, WA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Exemption threshold
- 4 feet unsupported excavation height
- Condition for exemption
- Wall has a valid building permit
- Over 4 feet
- Full grading permit required
- Engineered grading trigger
- Wall supports other engineering works
- Unpermitted grading
- Declared a public nuisance
- Investigation fee
- Equal to the permit fee owed
Summary
Spokane Valley exempts retaining wall excavation from a grading permit only when the wall itself is authorized by a valid building permit and the unsupported excavated height stays at four feet or less. Anything taller triggers full grading permit review under SVMC § 24.50.020(C).
An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit; provided excavation having an unsupported height greater than four feet after the completion of such structure shall not be exempt. Use of, placement, and fill made with any material from any such excavation shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 24.50 SVMC and shall not be exempt except as otherwise provided herein;
Full Breakdown
50 SVMC regulates land disturbing activities separately from the building permit for the wall itself. 50's requirements even when the cut itself is exempt. 030(A)(13), which requires an engineered grading permit for 'grading to support other engineering works such as, but not limited to, tanks, towers, machinery, retaining walls, and paving,' so a taller or load-bearing wall can trigger the engineered track even beyond the four-foot excavation threshold. 010(I).
Violations & Fines
Section 24.50.010(J) declares that 'unless exempt, any land disturbing activity performed without a permit or in violation of any applicable code or permit condition shall be considered hazardous and a public nuisance, subject to all enforcement actions and penalties as found in SVMC Title 17,' plus an investigation fee equal to the permit fee that would have applied. The city's general penalty at § 1.10.010 also applies: a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail, or a civil infraction of at least $250, with each day a separate offense under § 1.10.020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a retaining wall in Spokane Valley?
What happens if my retaining wall excavation is deeper than 4 feet?
What if I grade for a retaining wall without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
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