Tallahassee's Land Development Code, Ch. 3, Art. VII, § 3-401 governs fences and walls including retaining walls. Height limits and setback requirements vary by zoning district. Retaining walls over the code threshold require a building permit from Growth Management.
LDC Ch. 3, Art. VII (Fences and Walls), § 3-401 establishes general height and material requirements for all fences and walls on private property. Retaining walls are subject to the Florida Building Code, which requires a permit for walls retaining more than 48 inches (4 feet) of fill or any wall supporting a surcharge load. Tallahassee Growth Management administers permits; applicants must submit engineered drawings for walls over 4 feet. Residential fences are generally limited to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3–4 feet in front yards. Retaining walls that also serve as fences have combined height reviewed under § 3-401.
Unpermitted retaining walls subject to stop-work orders and code enforcement. Fines under LDC enforcement typically begin at $100 per day for continuing violations; the city may require removal or engineered remediation.
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See how Tallahassee's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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