Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Arlington County, VA?
It depends on the details of your project.
On a corner lot, nothing between 3 ft and 10 ft above the curb may sit within 25 ft of the corner, retaining walls included.
In an RPA, a new or replaced retaining wall needs county RPA review.
Disturbing more than 2,500 sq ft needs a Land Disturbing Activity permit.
A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Arlington County before you build.
Check your exact lot
Your zoning district sets the setbacks, and a flood zone can change the permit answer. Enter your address to see both.
Permits a retaining wall can need in Arlington County
| Permit | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Land Disturbing Activity / stormwater permit | Disturbing more than 2,500 sq ft of land needs an LDA permit with stormwater review. |
| Building permit | Virginia exempts only retaining walls holding back less than 3 ft of unbalanced fill with no surcharge (USBC 108.2 item 7). |
| Floodplain development permit | Grading and walls in a FEMA special flood hazard area need a permit. |
| RPA review (Chesapeake Bay) | In an RPA, new or replaced fences and retaining walls, new paving, decks, sheds, pergolas and tree removal need county RPA review. New pools, patios and detached garages that add impervious cover need an exception from the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance Review Committee. |
| Certificate of Appropriateness (HALRB) | In a local historic district, exterior changes need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board. |
Limits that apply citywide
| Corner lots | Clear between 3 ft and 10 ft above the curb inside the 25 ft corner triangle |
|---|
Local details
- Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
- HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.
How to apply
Common questions
- When does a retaining wall need a building permit in Arlington County?
- Virginia exempts only retaining walls holding back less than 3 ft of unbalanced fill with no surcharge (USBC 108.2 item 7). A retaining wall holding back less than 3 ft of soil, with nothing heavy above it, is exempt anywhere in Virginia.
- Where do I apply for a retaining wall permit in Arlington County?
- Apply through Arlington Permits portal, or call 703-228-3800.
Sources
- Arlington County, Resource Protection Area (RPA) and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance. Checked 2026-10-21
[RPA review is required for] new or replaced fences and retaining walls; new paved surfaces, including gravel; decks, sheds, and pergolas; removing trees 3 inches or more in diameter... [A CBORC exception is required for] increasing impervious cover in the …
- Virginia USBC, 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, Exemptions from application for permit. Checked 2026-10-23
2. One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet... 5. Fences of any height unless required for pedestrian safety as provided for by Section 3306 or used…
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
- Arlington County, Certificate of Appropriateness. Checked 2026-10-23
A certificate of appropriateness (CoA) is required for all proposed exterior alterations, new construction and demolition within a local historic district, with the exception of routine maintenance, repairs and replacements using the same materials, interio…
- Arlington County Zoning Ordinance §§ 3.2.5, 3.2.6.A.4, 12.9.9, 12.9.11, 12.9.12, 12.9.16, 12.9.17 and Article 18. Checked 2026-10-21
[Visual clearance] On any corner lot in an R or RA district there shall be no planting, structure, retaining wall, fence, shrubbery or obstruction to vision between a height of three feet and a height of 10 feet above the curb level within the triangle form…