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Mounds View Planning Commission August 2, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 8 ________________________________________________________________________ allowed to use it if no one else could. Planning Associate Heller stated that staff added barbed wire so it could not be used since the current code does not specify. Commissioner Hegland believes, regarding barbed wire, the Ordinance is trying to cover something that already exists. Planning Associate Heller made note of the discussion and said she would pass on this comment. Planning Associate Heller read and the Planning Commission discussed each of the seven suggestions. She began with the Community Development Department doing a review of retaining walls being built next to existing structures. The code currently has no setback requirements for retaining walls but that the fence, retaining wall or terrace must be on the owner’s property and not on the property line. Planning Associate Heller read the next suggestion of requiring railings or lighting on retaining walls over two feet high. The suggestion stated the maximum height for a retaining wall should not be over four feet when placed on easements, lines of sight and curbs. Planning Associate Heller stated that retaining walls must not run to the curb since then they would not be inside the property line. She stated there are currently line of sight rules for fences. Planning Associate Heller read the suggestion that a building permit be required for retaining walls next to egress windows or safety exits, tuck-under garages or cellar doors. Planning Associate Heller stated the City could not require a building permit for something that is already outlined as such in the Minnesota State Building Code. Planning Associate Heller did state Staff does ask to see site plans indicating where the retaining wall would be built. Planning Associate Heller stated the next suggestion was to change the “no setback” requirement to a six-inch setback. Chair Stevenson indicated the City had numerous discussions on the six-inch setback along property lines. Planning Associate Heller stated a requirement that retaining walls must be on the property already exists. Planning Associate Heller reported the next suggestion concerned property owners who build a retaining wall between the property line and a garage with the intent of parking a vehicle in this area. The recommendation was made that the area be planted with grass within one month and to prohibit parking on this space. Chair Stevenson stated the City has not seen a lot of problems with this. Planning Associate Heller reported the final suggestion was an addition to section 1103.09, subd. 3, item b. “unless the said retaining wall be directly next to an existing fence specifically installed to meet the building code requiring a minimum five foot high fence around a swimming