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Code Review April 19, 2006 Page 5 Retaining Wall Definitions Arden Hills Undefined Blaine Undefined Circle Pines Undefined Columbia Heights A wall or structure constructed of stone, concrete, wood, or other materials, used to retain soil, as a slope transition, or edge of a planting area. Coon Rapids Undefined Cottage Grove A structure utilized to hold a slope in a position in which it would not naturally remain. Fridley Undefined New Brighton Undefined Roseville Undefined Shoreview Undefined St. Anthony That which is erected as a permanent barrier, affixed along its entire length to the ground or some immovable structure to impede the movement or erosion of soil. Vadnais Heights Undefined As is the case with fences, no definition is articulated in the Mounds View City Code for retaining walls, probably because a retaining wall has a commonly accepted meaning. If such a definition is determined to be an important addition to our Code, staff would suggest something similar to what appears in the Columbia Heights code. Again, probably more important than the definition is whether or not such a structure would be required to be set back from a property line. Retaining Wall Setbacks As indicated on page 2 of this report, the one and only reference to a retaining wall in the Mounds View Code is in Section 1103.08, Subd 1, where it addresses grade change or separations, “such as the division of properties by a retaining wall”… which would clearly indicate that retaining walls were anticipated at lot lines similar to fences. Public Works Director Greg Lee provided feedback at a recent City Council meeting that most street projects and sidewalk projects utilize retaining walls as a means to resolve grade changes between the right of way and private property. If a retaining wall had to be set back a distance from a lot line, either the City would have to give up right of way or it would have to acquire permanent easements from the property owners adjacent to the constructed walls. Either way, adopting such a requirement would make nearly every retaining wall in the City used for leveling grades at the property line a non-conforming use. No permits are required for retaining walls less than two feet in height, as these are typically more for aesthetic appearances or for landscaping improvements than they are for function. Retaining walls from two to four feet require a zoning permit while a retaining wall in excess of four feet requires a building permit and shall be reviewed by the building official. In most cases, such walls are professionally designed with plans bearing the signature of an architect or engineer. General requirements regarding retaining walls could be added as a subdivision under the Fence section of the Code, Section 1103.08.