Retaining walls over 4 feet in Wayne County cities require a building permit and engineered plans under the Michigan Residential Code. Lower walls are usually exempt but must meet drainage rules.
The Michigan Residential Code, which Wayne County cities and townships enforce locally, generally requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or for any wall supporting a surcharge such as a driveway, structure, or slope. Engineered drawings stamped by a licensed Michigan professional engineer are typically required for walls at or above this threshold. In Detroit, retaining wall permits are issued by BSEED; in Dearborn, Livonia, and other Wayne County suburbs, the local building department handles review. Walls under 4 feet without surcharge generally do not need a permit but must still comply with setback, drainage, and lot coverage rules. Given Wayne County's flat glacial lakeplain topography and clay-heavy soils, proper drainage and frost protection (footings below the 42-inch frost line) are critical to prevent heaving and failure during Michigan winters. Walls near public sidewalks or rights-of-way may require additional encroachment review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Wayne County's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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