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Building a Retaining Wall

Building a Retaining Wall

Do I Need A Permit?
Who Should Apply?
Documents
Resources
Process
Payments and Fees
Typical Inspections

Do I Need A Permit?

If you are doing any of the following you will need a Building Permit …

(This is not an all-inclusive list. If you have a question as to whether you need a permit please call 540-772-2065)

Any wall that retains 3 feet or more of unbalanced fill

Who Should Apply?

• Applying for a permit as the landowner is an important decision because the permit holder(s) bears the ultimate responsibility that the work will comply with the code.

• It is highly encouraged to have a licensed contractor apply for the permits, however, the deeded property owner may do so if the property is for his/her own use.

Documents

• Commercial Permit Application

https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5414/Commercial-Permit-Application--Interactive?bidId=

• Owner Affidavit (Complete if you are an owner, doing work to your primary residence. This must be notarized or signed in front of a Permit Tech in the Building Department.)

• Plot Plan Template Shows the proposed retaining wall location on the property. A survey plat with the retaining wall location or a hand sketch showing the location with respect to the property lines and the house is acceptable.

• Retaining Wall Guidelines for Accompanying Paperwork

**If grading is required, please contact Development Review staff for land disturbance requirements. Land Disturbance permits may be needed.**

Resources

• Roanoke County GIS (This will help in drawing your plot plan if you do not have a survey)

• Typical Retaining Wall Details

Process

1. Fill out the application document and include the building plan.

Retaining walls from 4 ft. to 6 ft. will require a plan. Standard manufacturer designs are acceptable.
Retaining walls from 6 ft. to 10 ft. require a plan. This must bear the stamp of a Virginia Design Professional.
Retaining walls over 10 ft. in height or unbalanced fill are required to meet the requirements of the Special Inspections Program.

(See the Retaining Wall Guidelines to see Minimum Design Plan Information)

2. Email documents to permit@roanokecountyva.gov or bring completed documents to the Roanoke County Administration Building, 2nd floor.

3. A Permit Tech will verify all paperwork is complete and collect payment

4. If the wall is 3 ft. to 4 ft. without a plan the permit will be issued the same day. If the wall is over 4 ft. the plans will be submitted for a review. Once submitted the review time is 7 working days.

5. Once Approved the Permit and the Inspection Card to post, will be returned to the applicant.

6. Post the Inspection Card at the site. This should be visible for the inspector and available for inspectors approval/denial signatures.

7. Call for Inspections.

8. Verify Permit Inspections are complete and Permit is closed.