Residential Retaining Wall Permit

The purpose of all retaining walls is to hold soil behind them. However, the specific needs will vary depending on the project. An approved residential permit by the Building Division might be required for a retaining wall depending on the scope and scale of the wall.

General Guidelines for a Residential Retaining Walls:

Retaining walls that are not laterally supported at the top and that retain in excess of 48 inches (1219 mm) of unbalanced fill, or retaining walls exceeding 24 inches (610 mm) in height that resist lateral loads in addition to soil, shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice to ensure stability against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation pressure and water uplift. Retaining walls shall be designed for a safety factor of 1.5 against lateral sliding and overturning. This section shall not apply to foundation walls supporting buildings.

Note: All work shall comply with the 2021 International Residential Code.

Apply Online

Step 1.Review Requirements

The following is required prior to issuance of a Residential Retaining Wall Permit:

  • Address and legal description of project
  • Owner, Contractor and/or Architect information
  • Plan of use, square footage and area involved
  • Class of work, description, valuation and market value of property
  • Site Plan:
    • Property line
    • Existing easements
    • Location of proposed Retaining Wall
  • Specifications of Retaining Wall (height, wall materials, etc.)
    • Retaining wall detail showing how wall is constructed. This drawing is required to be designed by an engineer in accordance with the 2021 IRC, Section R404.4

Step 2.Apply Online

You can apply online for a building permit through the City of Grand Prairie's Customer Self-Service portal. First time users will need a valid email address to set up an account. It takes about 5 minutes to create a new account.

Apply Online

What next?

After completing the online application, permits are processed in approximately 5-10 business days. Depending on updates needed from the applicant, as this can result in longer approval times.

Phone / In Person

You are welcome to call or visit in person for help submitting your online application.

Phone: 972-237-8230

Email: information@gptx.org

Location:
City Hall - Building Inspections Division
300 W. Main Street
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050

Business Hours:
8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Fees

Contact Info

Physical Address:
Building Inspections Division
300 West Main St.
Grand Prairie, TX 75050

Mailing Address:
Building Inspections Division
P.O. Box 534045
Grand Prairie, TX 75053

Schedule inspection for current project

Phone: 972-237-8230
E-mail: information@gptx.org
Fax: 972-237-8234

Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

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