(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to protect public and private property from the effects of poorly designed and constructed retaining walls.
(b) Permit Required. A permit shall be required for all retaining walls constructed that exceed twenty-four (24) inches in height, including terraced retaining wall projects where the total height of all walls exceeds twenty-four (24) inches, and are closer than fifteen (15) feet to a property line.
(c) Application. Application shall be made to the Zoning Administrator on forms provided and shall include a site plan and a set of construction plans. Plans sealed by a professional engineer registered in the State and/or other information necessary to adequately review the proposed retaining wall may also be required by the Zoning Administrator.
(d) Performance Standards. A retaining wall shall be designed to resist the lateral pressure of the retained material in accordance with accepted engineering practice. Walls retaining drained earth may be designed for pressure equivalent to that exerted by an equivalent fluid weighing not less than thirty (30) pounds per cubic foot and having a depth equal to that of the retained earth. Any surcharge shall be in addition to the equivalent fluid pressure.
(e) Setbacks. Setbacks for retaining walls shall be the same as for fences under Section 13-1-202.