Retaining Wall Permit Requirements in North Chili, NY

North Chili (ZIP 14514) is a hamlet within the Town of Chili in Monroe County; it is not a separate municipality, so the Authority Having Jurisdiction is the Town of Chili Building Department, which enforces the NYS Uniform Code for new construction, alterations, decks, pools, and signs. Permit applications are processed through the CloudPermit online portal. The Building Department is physically located at Chili Town Hall in Rochester 14624 but serves the whole town including the 14514 hamlet. Specific deck/fence/shed/roof numeric thresholds and a published fee schedule were not found on the official department page; standard NYS Uniform Code (2018 IRC) thresholds are applied here.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified May 31, 2026 · How we research →

Code: 2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (residential provisions based on the 2018 IRC with NY amendments) + 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State. Verified: 2026-05-31 1 local rules

When you don’t need a Retaining Wall permit

Exempt·Rule 1

North Chili (ZIP 14514) is a hamlet within the Town of Chili, so the Authority Having Jurisdiction is the Town of Chili Building Department, which enforces the New York State Uniform Code (residential provisions based on the 2018 IRC with New York amendments). A retaining wall not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and not supporting a surcharge, is generally exempt under the Uniform Code (based on the 2018 IRC). A taller wall, or any wall supporting a slope or driveway, requires a building permit and an engineered design. Drainage behind the wall is the owner's responsibility.

SourceTown of Chili Building Department / 2020 NYS Uniform Code (residential based on 2018 IRC) · view source

Retaining Wall Permit Costs: North Chili vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
North Chili N/A
New York City $350 – $1,750
Buffalo $150 – $600
Yonkers $160 – $800

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all North Chili 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

Here's a typical timeline for a retaining wall project:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings.
Week 2
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to North Chili's building department, apply online here.
Week 3-4
Plan review & approval
Processing time varies, contact North Chili's building department for current turnaround times.
Week 5+
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

NameTown of Chili Building Department
AddressChili Town Hall, 3333 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624
HoursMon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Summer (June-August) Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-11 a.m.

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.

Contact the 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 2026-05-31. 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.