Waukesha County regulates retaining walls as Structures. A wall five feet or greater from a lot line generally needs a Minor Grading zoning permit and an owner agreement; a wall closer than five feet to a lot line needs specific Plan Commission and County Zoning Agency authorization. Near water, walls
The Basic Zoning Ordinance defines a Retaining Wall as a structure more than 18 inches high from grade. A wall five feet or more from the property line may be allowed by a Zoning Permit (Minor Grading Permit) with an owner agreement addressing drainage and intent. A wall less than five feet from a property line requires specific authorization by the Plan Commission and County Zoning Agency plus a signed agreement so drainage and neighboring aesthetics are protected. In shoreland areas the Shoreland Ordinance requires all retaining walls to be set back at least 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark.
Unauthorized retaining-wall grading is a zoning violation subject to stop-work orders, restoration requirements, and forfeitures assessed by the Zoning Administrator.
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