Freedom Code Compliance
Commercial

Commercial Retaining Wall

Last updated: Apr 20, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Construction Plans Sealed by a Florida Registered Design Professional
    Construction plans sealed by a Florida-registered design professional showing retaining wall layout, dimensions, reinforcement, and drainage
  • Site Plan / Survey
    Site plan or survey showing property boundaries, elevations, and retaining wall location

Section 2

Plan Review Criteria

What FCC's plans examiner looks for on this project type, by trade. Items are grouped by priority — life-safety first. Building department checks may go further; this is the FCC private provider scope under FL Statute 553.791.

BuildingRequired

  1. #01Wall height, surcharge, and geotechnical assumptionsLife Safety

    Retaining wall design must address wall height, soil type, surcharge load (traffic/structure), and drainage.

    FBC-B 1807.2FBC-R R404
  2. #02Footing / foundation designLife Safety

    Footing or foundation design must show dimensions, reinforcement, depth, and connection to the structure above.

    FBC-R R403FBC-B 1809
  3. #03Engineer of record sealDocumentation

    Structural drawings must bear a current Florida-licensed engineer's seal and signature.

    Florida Statutes Chapter 471FBC-B 107.3.5

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your FCC inspector will confirm which apply to your project. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Building

Phase #1

Footing, Slab, UFER

Required
  1. Footing dimensionsCritical

    Verify footing width and depth match approved plans

    FBC-R R403.1FBC-R R403.1.1
  2. Rebar size and spacingCritical

    Verify rebar size, spacing, and placement per plans

    FBC-R R403.1
  3. UFER grounding electrodeCritical

    Verify minimum 20 feet of #4 bare copper or rebar is encased in footing

    NEC 250.52(A)(3)
  4. Slab vapor barrierCritical

    Verify vapor barrier is installed under slab per plans

    FBC-R R506.2.3
  5. Slab thickness and wire meshCritical

    Verify slab thickness and reinforcement per plans

    FBC-R R506.1
  6. Foundation anchorage layout

    Verify anchor bolt placement for sill plate attachment

    FBC-R R403.1.6
Phase #2

Final Building

RequiredTypical Final
  1. Egress doors and hardwareCritical

    Verify egress doors provide minimum 32-inch clear width and proper hardware

    FBC-R R311.2
  2. Smoke alarms installed and operationalCritical

    Verify smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and each level

    FBC-R R314.3
  3. CO alarms installedCritical

    Verify carbon monoxide alarms where required

    FBC-R R315
  4. Emergency escape openingsCritical

    Verify bedroom windows meet egress size requirements

    FBC-R R310.1
  5. Stairway complianceCritical

    Verify stair rise, run, handrail height, and landing dimensions

    FBC-R R311.7
  6. Address numbers visible

    Verify address numbers are posted and visible from street

    FBC-R R319.1
  7. Exterior finishes complete

    Verify exterior cladding, trim, and weatherproofing are complete

    FBC-R R703.1
  8. Site grading and drainage

    Verify finish grade slopes away from foundation minimum 6 inches in 10 feet

    FBC-R R401.3