Retaining Wall

Hours: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm - Please call prior to 4:00 pm for all inspection requests.
Phone: (801) 446-5327
Fax: (801) 838-9073
building@herriman.org

All properties are required to maintain drainage on their own property and out to the street, or to an approved drainage easement. No water can find its way onto adjoining properties. Sloping lots will require special grading attention, including V-ditches, swales and retaining walls. Slope cannot be greater than 2:1 (two horizontal to one vertical). Retaining walls are required to be installed when slopes exceed 2:1.

If you are planning to (or are required to) add a retaining wall of any height to your property (whether built with rock, brick, block masonry, concrete, railroad ties, etc.), you are required to submit for and obtain a building permit and have inspections. Permits for walls 4 feet or less in height do not require a fee. Permits for walls over 4 feet in height do have a fee of approximately $100. Either height requires a permit.

Requirements for Submitting a Permit Application for a Retaining Wall 4' or Less in Height

1. Permit Application Form 4' or Less
2. Two (2) copies of your Site Plan (see sample Site Plan diagram) showing (using small circles) where on the property the wall will be placed. Also, note the length of the wall(s).
3. Two (2) copies of Construction Drawings (see sample Rock Wall diagram / Masonry Wall diagram). All walls require some form of erosion control. Include a note on your construction drawings describing the method you will be using.

Requirements for Submitting a Permit Application for a Retaining Wall 4' or More in Height

1. Permit Application Form
2. Two (2) copies of your Site Plan (see sample Site Plan diagram) showing where on the property the wall will be placed using small circles. Also, note the length of the wall(s).
3. Two (2) copies of wet stamped (original stamped) Engineering from a Utah State Licensed Engineer.

Submit application, plans, and engineering to the Building Department at the City Office Building at 13011 South Pioneer Street during our office hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Remember, the office is closed on State and Federal holidays.

Permits for Walls 4' or Less in Height can usually be issued at the counter, but call ahead to verify someone will be in the office to issue the permit. Plan review for Walls 4' or Higher will take approximately 5 working days, after which we may call with corrections that need to be made to your plans. After the plans have been approved, we will call with the amount of the permit (which pays for the reviews and all inspections that will need to be done). Checks should be made payable to Herriman City. Payments less than $500 can also be made with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Rock/Retaining Walls typically require two inspections:

• First is a progress inspection sometime after the construction has been started to verify construction and erosion control by fabric, plant life, etc. The inspector will also consult with you on potential impact that the wall may have on the drainage plan for your lot, and on neighboring lots; and how to maintain proper drainage. If the wall is the type that will require footings, you will need an inspection when the footing is dug and any required steel is in place, but before concrete is poured. Depending on the length of the wall, you may need several of these inspections if you will need to do the footings in several pours.
• Second is the final inspection after the wall is completely finished.

Call the Building Department at (801) 446-5327 at least one business day before you wish to schedule each inspection. You may ask for an hour block of time. An adult must meet the inspector at the property.

When installing landscaping, fences, retaining walls, etc., all required v-ditches, swales and berms must be reinstalled to return the drainage flow back to its original state. No alteration to the land of any kind can obstruct or alter the path of flow of any drainage easement used in the design of the subdivision to drain your lot and neighboring lots. Any change in drainage design must have an alteration method of maintaining the flow approved by the city prior to changes being made. See Typical Drainage Designs.

CONSTRUCTION

• Permit Application Form
• Single Family Dwelling
• Basement Finishes
• Additions / Remodels
• Detached Garage/Shed/Barn or Similar Structure
• Retaining Walls (all heights)
• Fences
• Grading / Drainage
• Walk-outs
• Decks
• Demolitions
• Pools/Ponds/Water Features
• Commercial Construction

OTHER INFO

• New Water Meter Set
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Helpful Links
• Contact Us