One of the most common questions we get when a customer starts planning a retaining wall project is:
“Do I need a permit for this?”
It’s a great question — and one you definitely want answered before any construction begins. The short answer is:
Yes, in many cases you do need a permit to build a retaining wall in Delaware County, PA — especially if the wall is over 30 inches tall or affects drainage or grading.
Now let’s dig into the details.
When Do You Need a Permit to Build a Retaining Wall in Delaware County?
Each township in Delaware County may enforce its own rules, but there are some common permit triggers across the area:
You will likely need a permit if:
- Your wall is over 30 inches tall (from bottom of footing to top)
- The wall is supporting a slope, structure, or driveway
- The wall is near a property line or public right-of-way
- You’re altering grading, drainage, or runoff patterns
- You’re building multiple tiered walls or a large engineered system
In fact, anything involving structural stability or safety usually triggers a review by your township’s building or zoning office.
You may not need a permit if:
- The wall is under 30 inches tall
- It’s purely decorative and not load-bearing
- It doesn’t affect grading, water flow, or neighboring properties
- It’s built with dry-stacked stone or garden-style edging for landscaping
Even then, check with your township. Some municipalities require a permit no matter the height — especially in flood zones or conservation areas.
Local Township Permit Office Links
We’ve compiled links to the permit and code enforcement departments for some of the most common townships we work in throughout Delaware County:
- Haverford Township – Requires a permit for any retaining wall over 30″
- Springfield Township – May require zoning approval even for smaller walls
- Radnor Township – Requires engineering plans for structural or tiered walls
- Marple Township – Often require permits and inspections for anything over 2.5 feet
- Upper Darby Township – Often require permits and inspections for anything over 2.5 feet
Don’t see your township listed? Reach out to us — we’ll help you find the right office and figure out what’s needed.
What’s Usually Required to Get a Permit?
Most townships in Delco will ask for:
- A site plan or survey
- Engineering drawings for walls over 4 feet
- A grading or drainage plan
- A completed permit application
- Your contractor’s license and insurance documentation
At Kelly Masonry, we can assist with drawings, work with engineers, and handle the permit paperwork on your behalf.
Why It’s Worth Doing Right
Skipping the permit process can cost you more in the long run:
- Fines from the township
- Delays if inspectors stop the job
- Problems at resale if the work wasn’t documented
Plus, a properly engineered and permitted wall will last longer and protect your property — especially with our region’s freeze/thaw cycles and hilly terrain.
Bottom Line: Should You Check Before You Build?
Absolutely. If you’re thinking about building a retaining wall in Delaware County, PA — especially anything over 2 feet high — your first call should be to your local building office (or to us — we’re happy to help check).
At Kelly Masonry, we build code-compliant retaining walls that are not only beautiful but fully permitted and engineered for long-term stability.
Need help navigating the permitting process?
Contact us here or give us a call — we’ll walk you through it step by step.