Retaining walls for lakefront properties
Walls, steps and shoreline work for homes on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Hayden Lake, Spirit Lake and the county's other lakes.
Lakefront lots in Kootenai County are some of the most valuable and most regulated places to build a wall. Steep banks, tight access, wave action and water-quality rules all shape what's possible. The right builder knows which work can happen on the upland part of the lot and when a county or state permit is needed.
What rules apply near the shoreline?
- Kootenai County shoreline management area. Covers the ground within 25 feet, in slope distance, of the ordinary high water mark. Retaining walls are generally allowed there as repair, replacement or relocation of existing improvements, with a site plan showing no significant new impervious area or water quality impacts. Vegetation removal is limited.
- Idaho Department of Lands encroachment permits. Work below the ordinary or artificial high water mark on navigable lakes needs state approval. State rules say seawalls placed waterward of the high water mark will generally not be allowed, and riprap must meet specific design standards.
- Site disturbance permits. Grading within 500 feet of surface water doesn't qualify for the county's small-project exemption.
What do lakefront wall projects usually involve?
- Replacing failing walls and steps on the upland part of the lot
- Terraces and stairs from the house down toward the water
- Boulder walls that fit the natural shoreline look
- Drainage to keep runoff from carrying soil into the lake
How is access handled on steep lake lots?
Many lake lots can't take a full-size excavator. Builders use compact equipment, material conveyors and sometimes barges for shoreline work, which affects both schedule and cost. Ask how material and equipment will reach the work area before you commit.
Common questions
Can I build a new seawall on Lake Coeur d'Alene?
Idaho Department of Lands rules say seawalls placed waterward of the ordinary or artificial high water mark will generally not be allowed. Work below the high water mark needs an encroachment permit.
How close to the lake can I build a retaining wall?
Kootenai County's shoreline management area covers 25 feet in slope distance from the ordinary high water mark. Walls there are generally limited to repairing, replacing or relocating existing improvements.
Services in lakefront properties
- Retaining wall installationNew block walls to hold back slopes, level yards and create usable space.
- Boulder & rock wallsNatural stone walls and terraces that fit the North Idaho landscape.
- Retaining wall repair & replacementFixes for walls that are leaning, bulging, cracking or washing out.
- Wall drainage & French drainsDrain pipe, drain stone and French drains that keep water from pushing walls over.
- Terraces, steps & tiered wallsTiered walls, terraces and stone steps that turn a slope into usable space.
Nearby areas
Wall leaning, bulging or cracking?
A moving wall can fail suddenly. Keep people and vehicles clear and call to get it looked at.