Do I Need a Permit for My Retaining Wall in Boulder County?

Don’t Build It Until You Know the Rules

Retaining walls might seem like simple landscaping, but in Boulder County (and many Front Range cities), they’re often regulated structures. Whether you're building for function, aesthetics, or property resale, it’s critical to know what requires a permit, when engineering is involved, and what your HOA might say before you start digging.

Boulder County Rules (As of 2025)

• Any wall over 4 feet tall (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) requires a permit
  
  

• Walls supporting a surcharge (like a driveway, structure, or slope) may require engineering, even if under 4 feet
  
  

• Tiered walls are treated as one wall if they’re too close together (less than twice the wall height between them)
  
  

What Does “Surcharge” Mean?

A surcharge is any load placed above or behind the wall, including:

• Parking areas or driveways
  
  

• Retaining another wall above it
  
  

• Slope or berm pushing into the wall
  
  

• Structures like sheds or patios within 5–10 feet
  
  

These conditions often trigger the need for engineered drawings.

HOA Requirements in Boulder County Neighborhoods

Many Boulder-area HOAs have their own rules separate from county codes:

• Material restrictions (e.g., no timber)
  
  

• Color/style requirements
  
  

• Height caps below 3 feet
  
  

• Formal review and approval before construction begins
  
  

Always check your neighborhood’s architectural guidelines before submitting plans.

What We Handle for You

At Landscaping Guru, we manage:

• Measuring and calculating wall height from lowest adjacent grade
  
  

• Coordinating with county planning (when required)
  
  

• Referrals to licensed engineers for stamped drawings
  
  

• HOA submittals (if needed), including material specs and layout plans
  
  

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Permitting

• Non-permitted walls may be flagged during home sales
  
  

• You may be forced to tear down or rebuild
  
  

• Failed walls become liability issues
  
  

• Insurance may not cover structural damage if the work was unpermitted

Related Services:

[Retaining Wall Installation]

[Full Yard Renovations]

[Grading & Soil Preparation]

Building a Wall? Let’s Handle Permits and Design the Right Way

We’ll help you stay compliant with Boulder County and your HOA while building a wall that actually lasts.

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[Call (720) 306-9123]