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Retaining Wall · La Plata County, Colorado
Set by local rules
In Colorado, there is no single statewide rule for a Retaining Wall; whether you need a permit is decided locally in La Plata County.
In Colorado a building permit and engineered design are required for a retaining wall over 4 feet (footing to top) or any wall supporting a surcharge; tiered walls spaced less than twice the lower wall's height count as one. A wall cannot cross a property line without a recorded easement. Because Colorado leaves this to local jurisdictions, the reliable answer comes from La Plata County Building Inspctn. Zoning setbacks apply either way.
Source: Local (home rule), IRC 2021 · Verified 2026 by StateDataIndex
Walls over a certain height typically require an engineered plan and a building permit.
With a population of around 56,331 residents, La Plata County generally runs a more streamlined permitting process than major urban hubs.
Code Compliance & Inspections
Because of severe winter weather in Colorado, any exterior structures or footings must be set below the local frost line to prevent shifting, as mandated by the Colorado Building Code.
Local Zoning & Setbacks in La Plata County
Regardless of the state permit rule above, La Plata County still enforces property-line setbacks and local zoning for your Retaining Wall. A permanent foundation or any electrical/plumbing hookup can also change what is required, so confirm with La Plata County Building Inspctn before building.
Zoning & Cost Factors
Colorado is a "home rule" state, meaning local municipalities have almost complete autonomy over zoning and building codes, leading to massive variations between counties. Fortunately, Colorado maintains relatively builder-friendly regulations, keeping base permit fees competitive.
Permit fees in La Plata County
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and by your project's valuation, so there is no single fixed figure for La Plata County. We only publish fees confirmed by real homeowners — none have been reported here yet.
Confirm the current fee directly with La Plata County Building Inspctn ((970) 382-6250). If you have paid for a permit here, you can add it here to help others.
La Plata County Building Department
Office: La Plata County Building Inspctn
Address: 211 Rock Point Dr, Durango, CO 81301, USA
Phone: (970) 382-6250
Source: official La Plata County government records. Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How to Apply in La Plata County
In La Plata County, you can begin your application online through the county's permit portal, or submit blueprints and a property survey in person. Including your contractor's Local County/City Licensing Office license number helps avoid rejections.
Retaining Wall Requirements in La Plata County
Typical Submittal Package
When applying for a Retaining Wall permit, you or your contractor will generally need to submit the following documentation for the city's review:
- Structural engineering drawings
- Site plan showing property lines
- Drainage and grading plan
- Soil or geotechnical report (if required)
Standard Ordinances & Processing Time
Key code points for a Retaining Wall in La Plata County: Retaining walls over 3 to 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing) generally require a building permit and stamped engineering plans to ensure stability.
Typical processing time for a jurisdiction of this size: 10 to 14 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I build a Retaining Wall without a permit in La Plata County?
Building without authorization is considered a code violation. The local government can issue a Stop Work Order, forcing you to halt construction immediately. You may be subject to retroactive permit fees (often double the original cost), daily fines, or even a mandate to tear down the unpermitted work at your own expense.
Can a homeowner pull their own Retaining Wall permit in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado generally allows property owners to act as their own general contractor under an Owner-Builder exemption. If you take this route, you assume full legal and financial liability and must ensure all work complies with the Colorado Building Code.
How much does a Retaining Wall permit cost in La Plata County?
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and by your project's valuation, so La Plata County does not publish a single fixed figure. Confirm the exact fee with the local building department before applying.
How long does it take to get a Retaining Wall permit in La Plata County?
Based on the size of La Plata County, the typical processing time is 10 to 14 business days. Times vary with the season and the building department application volume.
Where do I apply for a Retaining Wall permit in La Plata County?
You can apply through the La Plata County Building Inspctn or online via the county permit portal. For questions, call (970) 382-6250.
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