Retaining Wall Permit in West Jordan, Utah
Required for retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) in West Jordan.
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 West Jordan 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 West Jordan 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 West Jordan — most wall failures are caused by water pressure.
- Retaining walls near property lines may have setback requirements — verify with West Jordan planning.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in West Jordan?
- 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. West Jordan requires engineered plans for walls over 4 feet.
- Do I need an engineer for a retaining wall in West Jordan?
- Yes, for walls over 4 feet. West Jordan 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.
- West Jordan Building & Safety Division — official building department
- West Jordan FY2025 Consolidated 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 West Jordan building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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