§ 32-141. Retaining wall requirements, construction regulations, and design criteria

(a) Requirements. In general, the use of retaining walls shall be minimized, wherever possible, through minimal and balanced cut and fill on property. When property within or directly adjacent to a subdivision contains changes in elevation exceeding 2½ feet and the slope exceeds one unit vertical in two units horizontal, a retaining wall shall be required at the locations specified herein prior to the acceptance of the subdivision:

(1) Location A. The grade change roughly follows a side or rear lot line.

(2) Location B. The grade change is adjacent to a proposed building site boundary.

(3) Location C. The grade change is adjacent to a watercourse or drainage easement.

(b) Design and construction. All retaining wall design and construction shall be in compliance with the provisions of the building code and the DCM manual, and shall be approved by the city staff.

(c) Maintenance. Retaining walls shall be maintained by the owner of the property where such retaining wall is located.

(d) Not to be parallel or within utility easement. Retaining walls shall not be constructed parallel to and within any portion of a utility easement.

(Ord. No. 549, § 10.254, 12-22-2009)