Most retaining walls in Phoenix require a permit. Some require engineer-stamped plans. Here’s how the requirements work — and what’s at stake if you skip the process.
Apr 15, 2026
3 min read
Field-tested insights from 30+ years of masonry in the Phoenix Valley. We share the technical details, code requirements, and structural standards that define high-quality Arizona construction.
Most retaining walls in Phoenix require a permit. Some require engineer-stamped plans. Here’s how the requirements work — and what’s at stake if you skip the process.
Most masonry problems aren’t visible on day one. They show up after the first Phoenix summer, after the first monsoon, or at sale time. These questions help you find a contractor who builds it right the first time.
In most Phoenix master-planned communities, your HOA controls what your wall looks like before the city controls whether it can be built.
Caliche hardpan is present on nearly every property in Phoenix. Most homeowners don’t know it exists until it shows up mid-project — and adds cost.
Every project we complete is backed by Arizona's standard ROC 2-year workmanship warranty — documented protection on labor and craftsmanship for residential and commercial clients alike. We've operated under this standard since 1994. If something isn't right, we come back and make it right. No runaround, no disclaimers.
Every estimate starts with an on-site visit. We don't price from square-footage averages or online calculators — we come to your site, review your blueprint plans, take precise measurements, and complete a full material takeoff before a number goes on paper. The factors that drive cost are straightforward: current materials pricing, labor, and the time the project requires. You get a written proposal based on your actual project, not a ballpark.
Yes, always. There is no charge for an initial site consultation. We'll visit your project location, review whatever plans you have available, and provide a detailed written proposal based on your specific scope. No pressure, no obligations — just an accurate number you can make a real decision with.
For concrete, we work with mixes ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 PSI depending on what your blueprint specifications call for. We use Euclid chemical admixtures for high-heat pours — a common requirement in Arizona summers — and Simpson epoxy 3G for all rebar and anchor bolt installations. Steel rebar goes in on every single job, without exception. For masonry, we stock 8×8×16 standard CMU and bond beam block in-house and source from Old Castle, Superlite, and AZ Best Block, with access to hundreds of CMU types based on project needs.
We hold active memberships in the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Masonry Council, and the Arizona Residential Architect group. These aren't just logos on a page — they represent the professional standards and accountability we hold ourselves to on every project, residential and commercial.
Father & Son Masonry works with homeowners, property owners, commercial developers, investors, architects, and structural engineers — across Phoenix and all of Arizona.
more detailsYears of Experience
From shell buildings and fire walls to elevator shafts, loading docks, and tenant improvements, FSM has the structural capacity and on-site owner presence to keep commercial projects on schedule and on budget.
Father & Son Masonry collaborates directly with structural engineers, civil engineers, and licensed architects — working from blueprints, completing full material takeoffs, and building to specification every time.
Whether it's a large retaining wall on a hillside lot, a masonry room addition, or a custom home's structural foundation, residential clients get the same owner-overseen precision Father & Son Masonry applies to every commercial build.
Ashley Parrish
Phoenix, AZ
“Father & Son Masonry, Inc. built a block retaining wall on our property, and it turned out better than we expected. The wall is straight, solid, and well-finished, and the site was left clean every day.”
Albert Beatty III
Tempe, AZ
“We couldn’t be happier with the masonry work done at our home. From start to finish, the experience was smooth and professional.”
Estrella Bougie
Scottsdale, AZ
“They took the time to explain the issue, provided a detailed plan, and handled everything professionally. The crew was punctual, organized, and respectful of our property. The masonry repair work was done right the first time, and the wall is now solid and looks great.”
Jorge Ojeda
Mesa, AZ
“Been knowing David and Karen for years now, some of the most hard working and down to earth/honest business owners in the industry. When you choose F&S you get quality craftsmanship and a great experience. Highly recommend.”
Matthew Jallo
Glendale, AZ
“I hired Father & Son Masonry to construct a concrete foundation. The job was done promptly and with good results. I like the way they do business, they do what they say they are going to do and maintain good communication from start to finish.”