(A) General. Walls built to retain the lateral pressure of earth or water or other superimposed loads shall be designed and constructed of approved masonry, reinforced concrete, steel sheet piling or other approved materials within the allowable stresses specified in this code.
(B) Design. Retaining walls shall be designed to resist the pressure of retained material, including both dead and live load surcharges to which the walls are subjected, and to insure stability against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation pressure and water uplift.
(C) Hydrostatic pressure. Unless drainage is provided the hydrostatic head of the water pressure shall be assumed to be equal to the height of the wall.
(D) Coping. All masonry retaining walls, other than reinforced concrete walls, shall be protected with an approved coping.
(Ord. 2008-02-0158O, passed 3-11-2008)