Retaining Wall Permit Requirements in Show Low, AZ
The City of Show Low is an incorporated city (pop. 11,732, 2020) in Navajo County and runs its own Building Safety Department at City Hall, 180 N. 9th St. Permits line is 928-532-4042, administration 928-532-4050, and the 24-hour inspection line is 928-532-4055. ZIP 85901 is a large rural ZIP (about 260 sq mi) where the City of Show Low covers only roughly 15.78 percent; the balance is unincorporated Navajo County and CDPs (Linden, White Mountain Lake, Wagon Wheel, Lake of the Woods, etc.) permitted by Navajo County Planning and Development Services (1100 E. Thornton Rd., Show Low), so addresses must be checked against city limits to pick the correct AHJ. The showlowaz.gov website sits behind a JavaScript bot-wall (CivicEngage Client Challenge), so its pages return a challenge page to curl but resolve normally in a browser.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified June 4, 2026 · How we research →
When you need a Retaining Wall permit
AZ (ZIP 85901), a retaining wall over the 2018 IRC threshold, or one that supports a surcharge or structure, requires a building permit from the City of Show Low Building Safety Department under Show Low City Code 18.05.040; a low landscape wall is typically a grading or zoning matter. Confirm the height threshold and provide drainage behind the wall. Apply at City Hall, 180 N. 9th St. (permits 928-532-4042). ZIP 85901 covers a large rural area, so confirm the property is inside Show Low city limits; if it is outside, contact Navajo County Planning and Development Services instead.
Retaining Wall Permit Costs: Show Low vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Show Low | N/A |
| Phoenix | $135 – $540 |
| Tucson | $150 – $600 |
| Mesa | $120 – $485 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Show Low permit costs →
Zoning Considerations
Retaining walls near property lines may require zoning setback review. Walls that significantly change the grade of a property may need additional zoning approval.
Estimated Project Timeline
Here's a typical timeline for a retaining wall project:
Timeline is based on the typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.
Need a Retaining Wall permit?
Answer a few quick questions for a personalized answer about your specific project.
Check Now, Free →Building Department Contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the building department for current Retaining Wall permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Retaining Wall projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for Retaining Wall permits is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
Learn More About Retaining Wall Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Retaining Wall Guide →