Single Family

Single Family Retaining Wall

Last updated: Apr 20, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

Plans or Detailed Drawings
Construction drawings showing retaining wall layout, dimensions, reinforcement, and drainage details
Site Plan / Survey
Site plan or survey showing property boundaries, elevations, and retaining wall location

Conditional

Construction Plans Sealed by a Florida Registered Design Professional
Construction plans sealed by a Florida-registered design professional when retaining wall exceeds 4 feet in height.
WhenRequired if retaining wall exceeds 4 feet in height.

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.

BuildingAdvisory

AdvisoryPlan review is not required for this scope under FBC 107.3.5. FCC reviews these items only when the building department specifically requires it, or when the client opts in.

#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
#02Footing / foundation designLife Safety
Footing or foundation design must show dimensions, reinforcement, depth, and connection to the structure above.
FBC-R R403FBC-B 1809
#03Plan review applicability (FBC 107.3.5 minimum criteria)Documentation
Standalone retaining wall is not in FBC-B 107.3.5 minimum criteria for 1&2 family. FCC performs this review only when the building department requires plan review or the client opts in.
FBC-B 107.3.5
#04Engineer of record sealDocumentation
Structural drawings must bear a current Florida-licensed engineer's seal and signature.
Florida Statutes Chapter 471FBC-B 107.3.5

Items marked Advisory are non-blocking. Per FBC 107.3.5, plan review isn't required for these scopes — FCC reviews them when the building department requests it or the client wants the extra set of eyes.

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

Footing dimensionsCritical
Verify footing width and depth match approved plans
FBC-R R403.1FBC-R R403.1.1
Rebar size and spacingCritical
Verify rebar size, spacing, and placement per plans
FBC-R R403.1
UFER grounding electrodeCritical
Verify minimum 20 feet of #4 bare copper or rebar is encased in footing
NEC 250.52(A)(3)
Slab vapor barrierCritical
Verify vapor barrier is installed under slab per plans
FBC-R R506.2.3
Slab thickness and wire meshCritical
Verify slab thickness and reinforcement per plans
FBC-R R506.1
Foundation anchorage layout
Verify anchor bolt placement for sill plate attachment
FBC-R R403.1.6

Phase #2

Final Building

RequiredTypical Final

Egress doors and hardwareCritical
Verify egress doors provide minimum 32-inch clear width and proper hardware
FBC-R R311.2
Smoke alarms installed and operationalCritical
Verify smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and each level
FBC-R R314.3
CO alarms installedCritical
Verify carbon monoxide alarms where required
FBC-R R315
Emergency escape openingsCritical
Verify bedroom windows meet egress size requirements
FBC-R R310.1
Stairway complianceCritical
Verify stair rise, run, handrail height, and landing dimensions
FBC-R R311.7
Address numbers visible
Verify address numbers are posted and visible from street
FBC-R R319.1
Exterior finishes complete
Verify exterior cladding, trim, and weatherproofing are complete
FBC-R R703.1
Site grading and drainage
Verify finish grade slopes away from foundation minimum 6 inches in 10 feet
FBC-R R401.3