Kentucky Engineering and Permit Requirements
DIY Retaining Wall offers engineering services in Kentucky.
The 2018 Kentucky Building Code states that permits are not required for “Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class
I, II, or IIIA liquids.”
If you have a retaining wall that is over 4 feet including what is buried (see typical embedment requirements) or a wall that supports a surcharge, you will need an engineer and a permit.
The minimum frost depth is 24 inches, and this increases for northern counties.
Mount Sterling & Montgomery County, City of Richmond, Boone County and Shelby County all are confirmed to follow the Kentucky Building Code as noted above. Most cities and counties follow the Kentucky Building Code, but here are a few notable exceptions:
- Lexington and Urban County require all retaining walls to have a permit and any retaining wall over 3-ft to have engineering.
- Oldham County requires engineering and permitting for any retaining wall over 4 feet or brick walls over 2 feet tall.