Retaining Wall Permit Requirements in Arlington, VA
Virginia uses VA Uniform Statewide Building Code based on 2018 ICC codes
When you DON'T need a permit
Retaining walls under 4 feet do not require a building permit in Arlington, VA, unless supporting a surcharge.
Source: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
When you DO need a permit
Retaining walls 4 feet or taller require a building permit and engineered design in Arlington, VA.
Estimated fee: $150 – $600
Typical timeline: About 3 weeks
Source: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
Retaining walls supporting a surcharge require a building permit in Arlington, VA regardless of height.
Estimated fee: $150 – $600
Typical timeline: About 3 weeks
Source: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
Retaining walls near property lines may require zoning setback review. Walls that significantly change the grade of a property may need additional zoning approval.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated permit fees for Retaining Wall projects in Arlington, VA range from $150 – $600. Fees 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 Arlington 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 in Arlington is About 3 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 →