Westland, MI Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Height cap
- 3 ft above finished grade
- Where allowed
- Front, side, rear yards
- Applies in
- R-1, R-2, R-3 districts
- Over the cap
- Standard setback rules apply
Summary
Westland lets homeowners build retaining walls, garden walls, steps, and paved terraces up to three feet above finished grade inside required front, side, and rear yards without extra clearance.
e. Structures such as steps, paved terraces, garden walls, or retaining walls, not over three feet above the finished grade, may be erected in the required front, side or rear open spaces.
f. Accessory buildings for residential land uses shall not be erected in any required yard except a rear yard, provided further, that in no instance shall such a building be nearer than two feet to any adjoining lot line.
g. Nonresidential accessory buildings or structures shall not be constructed on any lot prior to the time of construction of the principal building.
h. Detached accessory structures shall not exceed a height of 14 feet. However, the height of an accessory structure may exceed 14 feet provided that:
(1) The size of the lot exceeds one-third of an acre (14,520 square feet), and
City of Westland - Zoning Ordinance Updates
Page 93 of 178
(2) The accessory structure does not exceed 20 feet.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Westland's zoning ordinance treats retaining walls the same as garden walls, steps, and paved terraces: all four may be built in the required front, side, or rear open space as long as they stay at three feet or less above finished grade. Anything taller than three feet falls outside this yard-encroachment allowance and would need to meet the district's standard yard and setback requirements, or in some cases a variance from the zoning board of appeals. The rule sits in the same section governing detached accessory buildings such as sheds and garages in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts.
Violations & Fines
Building a retaining wall over the three-foot allowance without meeting standard yard rules is a zoning violation, punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, per day of continuing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my retaining wall be in Westland without extra approval?
What if I need a taller retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westland
Compare Westland to another location·View the Michigan fence regulations overview
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Retaining Walls in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle retaining walls.