Retaining Wall Permit Requirements in Salem Lakes, WI

Village of Salem Lakes was formed in 2017 by the merger of the Town of Salem and the Village of Silver Lake; ZIP 53168 still labeled 'Salem' by USPS. Building Inspector contracted to Bluestone Inspections (Justin Border, 262-749-8777). Zoning administration was moved to Kenosha County: Bonnie Schaeffer (262-960-2165) Mon-Tue and Ben Fiebelkorn (262-857-1901) Wed-Fri. Permits are processed through the Kenosha County eTRAKiT online portal.

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

Code: 2015 Verified: 2026-05-15 1 local rules

When you need a Retaining Wall permit in Salem Lakes

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 Salem Lakes, WI, contact Village of Salem Lakes Building & Zoning Department (administered through Kenosha County) at (262) 843-2313. Apply online: https://permitting.kenoshacountywi.gov/eTRAKiT/.

SourceVillage of Salem Lakes Building & Zoning Department (administered through Kenosha County) — phone (262) 843-2313 · view source

Retaining Wall Permit Costs: Salem Lakes vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
Salem Lakes N/A
Milwaukee $150 – $600
Madison $150 – $600
Green Bay $150 – $600

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

Here's a typical timeline for a retaining wall project in Salem Lakes, WI:

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 Salem Lakes's building department, apply online here.
Week 4-5
Plan review & approval
Processing time varies, contact Salem Lakes'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

NameVillage of Salem Lakes Building & Zoning Department (administered through Kenosha County)
Address9814 Antioch Road (STH 83), Salem, WI 53168
HoursMon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Salem Lakes'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 Salem Lakes 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 Salem Lakes'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.