Concrete Retaining Walls in Yelm, WA

Retaining walls in Yelm: what to know

Planning and Building issues the permits the state building code requires, so wall height and surcharge questions are routed through that code. Height runs from the footing’s underside up to the wall’s top edge, any surcharge that presses on the face is noted, and the liquid the wall would hold back is named before design begins.

Drainage behind the wall adds a second question. Its outlet is kept on the lot, and where the route would cross into the public right-of-way or a neighboring parcel, the public works director is asked in writing before any trench is opened. YMC 13.16 covers the stormwater side, and YMC 13.20.050(D) assigns the upkeep to the owner.

Permits and rules in Yelm

Every wall is checked from footing to top, each surcharge and liquid question goes to Planning and Building, and the answers are entered on the scope ahead of the drawing set. A drain route that touches the public right-of-way goes to the public works director in writing, and we check that reply against the drawing set. The outlet is marked on the site plan ahead of footing work.

Rules change and vary by parcel, so we confirm the current requirements with the city before we start.

How we approach it

Survey the wall from its footing up to its top first
Note every surcharge and held liquid on the survey sheet
Put the state code question to Planning and Building in writing
Mark the drain outlet on the site plan ahead of footing work

For the full process, see our Retaining Walls page.

Building in the cold months? See our guide to winter concrete pours.

Our retaining walls work, serving Yelm

Examples of our work. We build retaining walls in Yelm and the cities around it. See all of our work

Questions from Yelm homeowners

Does a Yelm retaining wall require a permit?

That question is answered under the state building code, which the city’s Planning and Building Division applies. We measure the wall’s height from footing to top and identify any surcharge, then attach the city’s answer to the scope ahead of the drawing set.

Which loads on a Yelm wall prompt a closer review?

Loads that press on the wall face, such as a parked vehicle above it or a slope rising behind it, are recorded on the survey sheet and put to Planning and Building with the wall question. Any liquid the wall would hold back is named before the design is settled.

Where can a Yelm wall drain discharge?

To an outlet on the lot, drawn onto the site plan ahead of footing work. A route that would reach the public right-of-way is sent to the public works director first.