A. Compliance: All grading shall comply with most recent adopted version of the international building code including appendix J, and:
1. Retaining walls shall be installed between lots where there is an elevation change greater than three and one-half feet (3.5') in height, unless special circumstances require an alternative design. All designs shall be approved by a city designated official; and
2. Retaining walls shall be installed at the time of the lot development; unless bonded for as per section 10-5-4 of this chapter; and
3. If bonded for, then all walls shall be installed before the issuance of building permits for the homes.
B. Permit Requirement: It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair or demolish any retaining wall without a building permit. The application, submittal, permitting and inspection requirements for retaining walls shall be as specified in the adopted building code and other city codes and ordinances.
C. Definitions:
RETAINING WALL: | A wall not laterally supported at the top; that resists lateral soil load and other imposed loads. |
D. Design And Construction:
1. Retaining wall systems, including rockery walls (as outlined in section 10-5-9 of this chapter), shall be designed and certified by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the state of Utah 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; and
2. All engineering shall be reviewed through the building department of the city prior to installation; and
3. All special inspections shall comply with chapter 17 of the international building code.
E. Appeals: Any person or entity aggrieved by any decision or order of the building official under this chapter may appeal the decision in accordance with set procedures and timelines.
F. Conflicts: Where there is a conflict between this chapter and any other code or ordinance of the city, the more restrictive provisions shall apply. (Ord. 2008-22, 6-11-2008; amd. Ord. 2019-20, 11-13-2019)