Chapter 14.20
RETAINING WALLS
Sections:
14.20.050 Design and construction.
14.20.080 Copy to be available.
14.20.010 Purpose and scope.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating the construction and placement of retaining wall systems through the adoption of specific standards to augment existing codes. These provisions shall apply to the construction and/or alteration of retaining walls on all public and private property that is not within a public right-of-way of the City.
(Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 445 § 1, 2005; Ord. 410 § 2, 2004; Ord. 372 § 1, 2003).
14.20.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply:
“Retaining wall” means a manmade structure built out of rock, block, wood, or other similar material and used to either directly support retained material or to serve as a facing of a cut slope. This definition includes, but is not limited to, other systems designed to retain earth or other materials such as a geosynthetic-reinforced soil system.
(Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 445 § 1, 2005; Ord. 410 § 2, 2004; Ord. 372 § 2, 2003).
14.20.030 Permit requirement.
It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair or demolish any retaining wall without a building permit from the City’s permit center. The application, submittal, permitting and inspection requirements for retaining walls shall be as specified in the building code and other City codes and ordinances.
(Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 445 § 1, 2005; Ord. 410 § 2, 2004; Ord. 372 § 3, 2003).
14.20.040 Exemptions.
A. Retaining walls with a height of wall not exceeding four feet are exempt from this chapter if:
1. The wall is set back from any adjacent property lines or structures at a minimum distance equal to the height of the wall;
2. The material retained by the wall slopes up and away from the wall at a ratio not exceeding one foot vertical per two feet horizontal distance; and
3. The wall is not supporting a surcharge.
B. Emergency repairs required to stabilize slopes in existing active landslide areas may exceed the height limits set forth in this chapter provided the Building Official determines the following criteria are met:
1. The repairs meet the requirements of Chapter 14.05 UPMC;
2. An imminent danger of slope failure exists that will threaten life or the safety of existing upslope or downslope property;
3. The Building Official certifies that strict compliance with the other provisions of this chapter is likely to result in insufficient time to complete the repairs to provide for the necessary stabilization of the active area;
4. The emergency repairs are not necessitated by actions of the applicant or property owner in violation of City codes; and
5. The height of the retaining walls is the minimum necessary to stabilize the slope.
(Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 445 § 1, 2005; Ord. 410 § 2, 2004; Ord. 372 § 4, 2003).
14.20.050 Design and construction.
Retaining wall systems shall be designed for all loads as specified in the building code and in keeping with nationally recognized standards. Designs shall be based upon sound engineering and geotechnical principles.
(Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 445 § 1, 2005; Ord. 410 § 2, 2004; Ord. 372 § 5, 2003).
14.20.060 Appeals.
Any person or entity aggrieved by any decision or order of the Director under this chapter may appeal the decision in accordance with the procedures and timelines established in Title 22 UPMC.
(Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 445 § 1, 2005; Ord. 410 § 2, 2004. Formerly 14.20.070).
14.20.070 Conflicts.
Where there is a conflict between this chapter and any other code or ordinance of the City, the more specific provisions shall apply.
(Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 445 § 1, 2005; Ord. 410 § 2, 2004; Ord. 372 § 7, 2003. Formerly 14.20.080).
14.20.080 Copy to be available.
One copy of this chapter shall be available in the office of the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
(Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 445 § 1, 2005; Ord. 410 § 2, 2004; Ord. 372 § 8, 2003. Formerly 14.20.090).