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Becker County amends retaining-wall rules: under 2 ft administrative, 2–4 ft county review, over 4 ft engineered plans
Summary
The Becker County Board approved zoning changes that make retaining walls under 2 feet administratively approvable, require county or applicant-paid engineer review for 2–4 feet, and mandate applicant-provided engineered plans for walls over 4 feet; the board also added runoff safeguards and a 3× height spacing rule.
Becker County commissioners approved amendments to the zoning ordinance governing retaining walls, adding tiered engineering-review thresholds, cost-pass-through provisions and stormwater protections.
Planner Kyle presented the advisory committee recommendations and a DNR representative’s comments. The key changes adopted: retaining walls under 2 feet will be approved administratively; walls 2–4 feet will require a county engineering review (the county will retain an engineer and the review cost may be passed on to applicants); walls over 4 feet must be submitted with an engineered plan from the applicant and will receive county review; and designs must not increase runoff to neighboring properties. The board also confirmed a spacing rule for tiered walls equal to three times the wall height and discussed applying the stricter standards to development within roughly 300 feet of lakes or riparian areas, with possible exclusions for walls incidental to structures (for example, walk-out basements attached to dwellings).
Commissioners instructed staff to issue an RFP for a retained engineer, incorporate stormwater language consistent with existing land-alteration requirements and bring fee resolutions (to reflect review costs) after engineer quotes are obtained. The board voted to approve the amendment package as amended in discussion; the motion carried.
Why it matters: The changes aim to streamline approvals for small retaining walls while ensuring engineering oversight for larger structures that pose erosion and runoff risks, with fees designed to cover review costs.
