Retaining Wall Permit

Required for retaining walls above a certain height in Wisconsin, typically 4 feet. Engineered retaining walls require stamped plans from a licensed engineer. Retaining walls affect grading, drainage, and structural loading on adjacent properties, making permits essential for public safety and neighbor relations.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$75–$600
flat
Typical Timeline
1–3 weeks
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Retaining Wall Permit Required?

  • Retaining walls over 4 feet in exposed height
  • Retaining walls supporting a surcharge load (driveway, structure above)
  • Retaining walls within setback areas or easements

When Is a Retaining Wall Permit NOT Required?

  • Retaining walls under 4 feet with no surcharge in most municipalities
  • Decorative landscape walls under 2 feet

Related Permits You May Also Need

Grading/Excavation Permit
Required for earth-moving activities including grading, filling, excavation, and land clearing in Wisconsin. Municipalities regulate grading to manage stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, protect neighboring properties, and ensure proper drainage. Projects disturbing more than one acre also require a Wisconsin DNR stormwater permit (WPDES).
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Stormwater Management Permit
Required for development projects that create or increase impervious surfaces or alter stormwater drainage patterns in Wisconsin. Municipalities enforce stormwater management requirements under NR 151 and NR 216 (administered by Wisconsin DNR). Projects disturbing one or more acres also need a separate state WPDES construction stormwater permit from the DNR.
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Residential Building Permit
Required for new single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family dwellings in Wisconsin. The state enforces the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) statewide through DSPS, but municipalities issue permits and conduct inspections locally. Plans must comply with SPS 320–325 for structural, energy, and safety requirements.
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Retaining Wall Permit Fees by Municipality

Fee and processing time data for retaining wall permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$751-2 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$651-2 weeksCurrent

Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.

Frequently Asked Questions — Retaining Wall Permit

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Wisconsin?

Most Wisconsin municipalities require a permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in exposed height. Walls supporting a surcharge load (like a driveway or building above) may require a permit regardless of height. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineered plans stamped by a licensed professional engineer.

Does a retaining wall need to be engineered in Wisconsin?

Retaining walls over 4 feet in exposed height generally require engineered plans in Wisconsin. Walls supporting vehicles, structures, or other surcharge loads may need engineering regardless of height. The engineering plans must be stamped by a Wisconsin-licensed professional engineer.

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