Retaining Walls in McKinney, in the City’s Own Words
McKinney’s Fence Permits page states its retaining wall permit rule in one sentence: “A permit for any retaining wall is required in the City of McKinney, regardless of height.”
The same page tells fence applicants they may need to contact their HOA for added requirements from deed restrictions or covenants.
Texas’s engineering statute exempts plans for private dwellings and the structures that go with them from engineer licensing, if no engineering services are offered to the public, and it does not mention retaining walls. In practice, the city codes set the engineering line. Frisco’s is over 36 inches, Prosper’s is over 48 inches from the bottom of the footing, and McKinney’s is over two feet.
Separately, the state licensing agency’s list of regulated industries has no program for general contractors, landscape contractors, masonry or retaining wall builders.
Ask us about your wall’s height when you call, or send the form.
How McKinney Grew
McKinney is the Collin County seat, with 236,001 residents. In 1970 it had 15,193, and its growth rate has “accelerated significantly” since.
In 2022, single-family and multifamily permits added 3,537 housing units. Trinity Falls, a subdivision and MUD, accounted for 281 of the 1,286 single-family permits.
Of McKinney’s homes, 14.9% were built in 1990–1999 and 4.9% in 2020 or later. 70.5% of units are 1-unit detached homes.
On paper, McKinney and Frisco are close in size. McKinney has 236,001 residents on 68.69 square miles of land, and Frisco has 236,955 on 68.623. Their detached-home shares are close too, at 70.5% and 69.3%. One difference: Frisco spans Collin and Denton counties, while McKinney is a Collin County city.
Four ZIP codes, 75069, 75070, 75071 and 75072, each cover 16% or more of McKinney’s land, and 75454 covers 1.1%.
Creek Floodplains and Retaining Walls in McKinney
The city lists a 1988 Floodplain Management Study for Wilson Creek, Franklin Branch, Stover Creek and Honey Creek. It also states: “As development occurs along creeks and lakes in the city, land developers are required to determine how high water will get and how much water will flow in a 100-year storm.”
Until updated FEMA maps are reissued, McKinney holds local floodplain information. Owners along Wilson, Franklin, Stover or Honey Creek can ask the city what it has for their lot. For comparison, Frisco requires that no portion of any residential lot be included in the 100-year floodplain.
Pricing a McKinney Wall
Typical ranges by wall type are on the retaining wall cost page, and leaning or cracked walls are covered under retaining wall repair. Your price is set at the free on-site estimate.
Book it by phone, Mon–Sat 8–6, or through the form.