Retaining Wall Permit Requirements in Kent, MN

Kent is a tiny incorporated city (~65 people per 2020 census, smallest in Wilkin County) with no municipal building department. Wilkin County Zoning Ordinance requires a permit for any structure over 500 sq ft; permits are issued by the Wilkin County Environmental Office at the county courthouse in Breckenridge. County building permit fee is $100; septic permit $250. County website notes an 'Apply for Building Permit' quick link but no direct deep URL surfaced, so online_permit_url left null. Phone 218-643-7165 is the consolidated county number used for both Environmental Office and Highway Department.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified May 15, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 65 Code: 2018 Verified: 2026-05-15 1 local rules

When you need a Retaining Wall permit in Kent

Required·Rule 1

Retaining walls over 4 feet tall (measured bottom of footing to top of wall) require a building permit and engineered drawings in almost every jurisdiction, per IRC R404. Walls supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure) require engineering at any height. To confirm requirements for your specific project in Kent, MN, contact Wilkin County Environmental Office at (218) 643-7165. Visit: https://wilkincounty.gov/zoningpermits.

SourceWilkin County Environmental Office — phone (218) 643-7165 · view source

Retaining Wall Permit Costs: Kent vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
Kent N/A
Minneapolis $150 – $600
St. Paul $140 – $570
Rochester $250 – $1,200

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Kent permit costs →

Zoning Considerations

Zoning

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 in Kent

Here's a typical timeline for a retaining wall project in Kent, MN:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings (plan drawings required).
Week 2
Prepare permit documents
Contractor prepares site plan, construction drawings, and permit application. Gather required documents per your city's checklist.
Week 3
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Kent's building department.
Week 4-5
Plan review & approval
Processing time varies, contact Kent's building department for current turnaround times.
Week 6+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

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Building Department Contact

NameWilkin County Environmental Office
Address300 South 5th Street, Breckenridge, MN 56520
HoursMon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Kent's 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 in Kent 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.

Contact Kent's building department for current processing times. Timelines vary based on project complexity and whether 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 →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-05-15. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.