When it is found necessary to grade a lot to a higher or lower finished grade than the natural grade of adjoining property on the sides and to the rear of such lot, it shall be incumbent upon the owner of such lot to get permission from the Building and Zoning Enforcement Officer to change to a higher or lower finished grade more than 30 inches, and it shall further be incumbent upon the owner of the lot to provide suitable retaining walls or other approved protection on his property to protect the adjacent property and structures from the draining of surface waters or damage, and further to protect the adjacent property and structures from caving of earth and to assist in the maintaining of the existing natural grade of such adjacent property.

1.   Retaining walls exceeding four feet in height, including staged walls that cumulatively exceed four feet in height, shall be constructed in accordance with plans prepared by a registered engineer.

2.   Retaining walls shall not restrict drainage or be placed in public rights-of-way or drainage easements and must be in compliance with the vision clearances at corners. Retaining walls placed in drainage and utility easements shall require the property owner to receive approval from the Building and Zoning Enforcement Officer and sign an encroachment agreement and a hold-harmless agreement.

3.   All retaining walls shall be maintained by the owner in good repair. If upon inspection, it is determined that a retaining wall is not in good repair and is unsafe or in a hazardous condition, the owner shall, upon written notice, repair the same within 90 days.

4.   All retaining walls greater than 30 inches must be shown on the construction site plans. The retaining wall will be allowed if not shown on the site plans.

5.   Any retaining wall, regardless of height, constructed within five feet of the property line, requires written authorization from the adjacent property owner and the Building and Zoning Enforcement Official.