Building or repairing a retaining wall

We explain the rules you need to know before you build or repair a retaining wall.

We require the following for retaining walls that are more than four feet tall:

  • Permit
  • Zoning check and site plan
  • Inspection
  • Construction plan review

Homeowners can perform work on their own property. Above rules are for retaining walls totally enclosed on the homeowner’s property. Walls on neighboring properties or public areas require additional permissions and procedures.

Before you start

Review the following:

Permits

Request accessible format

If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.

Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Contact us

Minneapolis Development Review

Community Planning & Economic Development

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Service Center hours
Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.