Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

Permit requirements often depend on the height of the wall and your local building codes. Taller walls, in particular, may require engineering and permitting. We can advise on what your specific project may need.

How long do retaining walls last?

A properly designed and built retaining wall, with adequate drainage behind it, can last for decades. Walls that fail prematurely are most often the result of inadequate drainage or an insufficient base.

Hardscaping

Retaining Walls: When Does Your Property Need One?

Published September 30, 2026

Gravel drainage bed and stepping path along a sloped side yard

A retaining wall is likely worth considering if your property has a noticeable slope that erodes or washes out during rain, an area of yard that is unusable because of grade change, or soil visibly shifting or slumping near a structure. Retaining walls hold back soil, create usable level space, and can significantly reduce erosion when built correctly.

On This Page

01Erosion on a Slope
02Unusable Sloped Space
03Soil Movement Near Structures
04Retaining Walls and Drainage Work Together
05Materials and Design

Erosion on a Slope

If a sloped area of your yard is losing soil, developing bare patches, or washing out visibly after storms, a retaining wall can stabilize the slope and stop the erosion from progressing. This is one of the most common reasons homeowners end up needing a wall. See Signs Your Property Has a Drainage Problem for other related warning signs worth watching for.

Unusable Sloped Space

A steep grade change can make part of a yard difficult to use — hard to mow, hard to walk across, or simply wasted space. A retaining wall can convert that slope into level, usable terraces for lawn, garden beds, or a patio.

Soil Movement Near Structures

If soil near a foundation, driveway, or patio appears to be shifting, slumping, or pulling away, it is worth having the site assessed. In some cases a retaining wall addresses the underlying grade issue; in others, drainage work is the more direct fix. A site visit helps determine which applies.

Retaining Walls and Drainage Work Together

A wall built without proper drainage behind it can fail from hydrostatic pressure buildup. Correctly built retaining walls include drainage material and, often, a drain pipe behind the wall to relieve water pressure — a detail that is easy to miss with a poorly built wall but essential for long-term stability.

Materials and Design

Retaining walls can be built from segmental block, natural stone, or poured concrete, each offering a different look and height capability. We assess the slope, soil, and intended use of the space before recommending a material and design.