5-7(F)   RETAINING WALL STANDARDS

5-7(F)(1)   Maximum Height

5-7(F)(1)(a)   Retaining walls shall have a maximum height as specified in Section 14-16-5-7(D) (Maximum Wall Height) unless a higher wall is approved by the City Engineer as necessary on a particular lot.

5-7(F)(1)(b)   Retaining walls higher than 6 feet tall shall be terraced to minimize visual impacts on residents, neighboring properties, and the public realm. Terracing shall be limited to 3 tiers.

5-7(F)(2)   Terracing

5-7(F)(2)(a)   A terrace at least 4 feet wide, with a maximum slope of 1:3 (rise:run), shall be provided between each tier to create pockets for landscaping. Reduced terrace depths may be administratively approved by the City Engineer where site constraints limit the amount of space available to accommodate the minimum required width.

5-7(F)(2)(b)   Terraces between retaining wall tiers shall be vegetated with permanent landscaping to screen retaining walls and provide visual interest unless soil conditions are determined by a licensed engineer to be unsuitable due to geologic hazards.

5-7(F)(3)   Setback

Retaining walls must be set back so that the underground footing does not encroach on any abutting public right-of-way.