Proposed Changes to Building Bylaw: Retaining Walls
BUILDING BYLAW NO. 3892 - RETAINING WALLS
Existing: Section 2 - Application
1. Application
2 (2) This bylaw does not apply to
(b) retaining structures
Proposed: Section 19.2: Retaining Wall Building Permit
(1) A building permit must be obtained prior to the construction of a retaining wall over 1.2 m in height.
(2) Multiple retaining walls over 1.2 m in height will require separate building permits except where they form a single terraced retaining wall system.
(3) The horizontal separation between terraced retaining walls must not be less than the height of the retaining wall with the greater height. Where the horizontal separation between retaining walls is less than 5x the height of the retaining wall with the greatest height, the retaining walls shall be considered to be components of a single terraced retaining wall system.
(4) It is the responsibility of the property owner to install guardrails as appropriate to mitigate any falling hazards associated with retaining walls.
(5) Guardrails, where installed, must be built to Section 9.8.8 of the BC Building Code.
(6) Guardrails are not included in the overall height of the retaining wall.
(7) Retaining walls greater than 1.2 m in height will require engineering oversight (designed and inspected by a registered professional) including letters of assurance in the form of a Schedule B (field review and oversight by registered professional) and Schedule C-B (final report and sign off by registered professional).
Consultation has concluded
