Retaining Wall Permit in Unincorporated Davis County, Utah
Required for retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) in Unincorporated Davis County.
Verified 2026-06-27 · Source
When you need this permit
- Retaining walls over 4 feet in total height
- Any retaining wall supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure, slope above)
- Retaining walls in a drainage or flood path
- Tiered walls where total retained height exceeds 4 feet
Required documents
- Req
Engineered Wall Plans
Stamped structural drawings from a licensed Utah PE
- Req
Geotechnical Report
Soil bearing capacity and lateral pressure analysis
- Req
Site Plan
Wall location relative to property lines, structures, and utilities
- Req
Drainage Plan
Behind-wall drainage, weep holes, and surface water management
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit | $100-$300 based on wall length and height | — |
| Plan Review | 65% of permit fee | — |
Review timeline
~10–21 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Davis County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing
Footing excavation, rebar, and forms before concrete pour
- 2
Backfill/Drainage
Drainage gravel, pipe, and filter fabric before backfill
- 3
Final
Wall complete, drainage functional, site graded
Tips
- Retaining walls over 4 feet in Unincorporated Davis County require engineered plans stamped by a Utah-licensed PE.
- Tiered walls must be separated by a distance equal to the height of the lower wall — otherwise they are treated as one wall.
- Drainage behind the wall is critical in Unincorporated Davis County — most wall failures are caused by water pressure.
- Retaining walls near property lines may have setback requirements — verify with Unincorporated Davis County planning.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in Unincorporated Davis County?
- Yes, if the wall is over 4 feet tall (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), supports a surcharge, or is in a drainage path. Unincorporated Davis County requires engineered plans for walls over 4 feet.
- Do I need an engineer for a retaining wall in Unincorporated Davis County?
- Yes, for walls over 4 feet. Unincorporated Davis County requires structural drawings stamped by a Utah-licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Many wall contractors have engineers they work with regularly.
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-27.
- Davis County Community & Economic Development — official building department
- Davis County Building Fee Schedule
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Unincorporated Davis County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Other permits in Unincorporated Davis County
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