North Carolina Engineering and Permit Requirements

The 2018 North Carolina Building Code section 1807.2.5 states:
Retaining systems providing a cumulative vertical relief greater than five feet in height within a horizontal distance of 50 feet or less, including retaining walls or mechanically stabilized earth walls, shall be designed under the responsible charge of the registered design professional.

The cumulative vertical relief is basically saying that tiered or terraced walls within 50 feet of each other need to have a combined height not greater than five feet.

So if you have one or multiple walls with a total height greater than five feet (including the buried portion), you need the services of a professional engineer.

Something else to consider, Section R301.2 of the Residential Code sets the frost depth at 12 inches. This will be greater in the mountains.

We provide engineering services in North Carolina through DIY Retaining Wall Engineering PLLC. We are a prequalified firm to perform MSE Wall engineering services with NCDOT.

DIY Retaining Wall is a prequalified firm with NCDOT to perform MSE Wall engineering services.

Contractors in North Carolina

If you are looking for a contractor in North Carolina, we have several that we work with and would be happy to refer you to.