A. Definition: For the purposes hereof, a "retaining wall" shall mean any structure one of whose purposes or functions, or whose sole purpose or function, is to retain or hold back any material or liquid or combination thereof.
B. Application Of Provisions: The construction standards contained in subsection C of this section shall apply to any "retaining wall", as defined in subsection A of this section, which is required to be constructed by any city ordinance, code, rule or regulation, or by order of the building commissioner or other authorized agent or officer of the city. Any such wall is hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "required retaining wall".
C. Construction Standards: Any required retaining wall built after the effective date hereof shall be constructed of reinforced concrete, not less than eight inches (8") thick, poured in place, not less than forty two inches (42") below grade; each such wall shall have a T footing of not less than twenty inches by eight inches (20" x 8").
D. Exemption: Notwithstanding anything contained herein, a required retaining wall may be granted an exemption from the above standards by the building commissioner on either of the following grounds:
1. Construction in accordance with the standards hereof is unnecessary in order to accomplish the purposes for which the retaining wall is required, and construction at a lesser standard will have no adverse effect upon the health, safety and general welfare of any residence or property within or without the city; or
2. The hardship imposed upon the person or other entity obligated to construct a required retaining wall will far exceed any benefit to be derived by any person or property within or without the city from strict adherence to the standards contained herein. (Ord. 06-31-0, 9-13-2006)