Chattanooga Retaining Wall Permit Guide
Chattanooga requires a retaining wall or reinforced slopes permit for walls four feet or higher, with site plans and engineering sealed by Tennessee-licensed professionals.
Retaining Wall Permits
Chattanooga, Tennessee
April 26, 2026
Permit takeaway
Chattanooga says a retaining wall permit is required for a retaining wall over four feet in height or taller.
Zoning and placement
The site plan must show setbacks from property lines, and the face of the wall must be at least one foot from the property line.
Building and trade review
Applications require a site plan stamped by a Tennessee-licensed professional and retaining wall calculations signed and sealed by a Tennessee-licensed professional engineer.
Call before applying when
Call before applying if the wall is near four feet, near a property line, supports surcharge, or requires reinforced slope design.
Documents to prepare
- OpenGov application
- Stamped site plan
- Property line setbacks
- Engineer-sealed calculations
- Construction cost information
Inspection planning
- Apply through OpenGov
- Upload sealed documents
- Wait for staff review
- Respond to comments
- Schedule inspections
Official sources
- Chattanooga Retaining Walls and Reinforced Slopes
- Chattanooga Residential Building Permit
- Chattanooga Building Permits
This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.