Retaining Walls

Before You Apply

It is encouraged that you contact the Zoning & Planning Department while planning your project to confirm compliance with basic zoning requirements and to discuss the review and approval process.

Retaining walls are used for gardening, screening, stabilizing, ornamental, drainage, decorative or landmark purpose. Included in this definition are monuments, columns and other similar property entrance features. No person shall construct, install, enlarge, reconstruct, or replace any retaining wall or like structure unless a permit has been obtained in accordance with the following: 

Retaining walls greater than 4' in height and/or less than 1' from a property line require review and approval by the Building Board prior to issuance of any permits. The Board meets twice per month (1st and 3rd Tuesday) at 5:30 p.m. To get placed on agenda, all materials must be submitted digitally to the Zoning and Planning Administrator at least 3 weeks in advance of the meeting. Once deemed complete by the Zoning and Planning Administrator, physical copies must be provided at least one week before the meeting.

Also, please note that Village staff may require a grading plan/surface water drainage review by the Village Engineer, specifically for large retaining walls or for lots with significant changes in grade/known drainage issues. The Village will utilize their consultant, Ruekert & Mielke, to perform the duties of Village Engineer and review the materials. All costs associated with the engineer's review will be billed to the contractor/property owner.

The submittal requirements for a retaining wall are listed below. A more comprehensive list of Retaining Wall or Like Structure requirements may be found at the hyperlink.

Required Forms

• Building Board Worksheet (PDF) - only required for Building Board review
• Building Permit Form (PDF)
• Building Permit Addendum (PDF) - only required for Building Board review

Requirements with Building Permit Application

• Structure Plan
  • Elevation of wall/structure noting dimensions, materials, and colors. A picture from a brochure is acceptable as long as all details are clearly indicated.
  • Retaining walls over 4' in height (vertically exposed surface) require detailed plans designed by a civil engineer licensed in the State of Wisconsin. The plans should be stamped.
  • It is highly encouraged that material samples are brought to a Building Board meeting (if required)
• Parcel Survey or Site Plan
  • If you do not have a plat of survey, you can illustrate the following on a printed site plan using the Waukesha County GIS platform.
  • Location and dimensions of wall/structure.
  • Retaining walls cannot be located in a drainage way, swale, or easement.
  • If part of an addition/pool/outdoor patio/etc. project, the total impervious surface area prior to addition and after addition is complete should be called out on the survey (generally, 30% maximum allowed).
• Grading / Surface Water Drainage Plan (only if required by Village staff)
  • Topographic map illustrating drainage flow conditions before and after installation of the wall.
• Landscape Plan (if new landscaping being proposed)
  • Existing and proposed landscaping with species list, number, and size.

*Important* - 14 hard copies of each plan listed above must be provided on ledger-sized paper (11"x18") only following review of plans digitally by the Zoning & Planning Administrator (and Village Engineer).