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CASE #3 <br /> <br />CONSIDER POLICY ON RETAINING WALLS <br /> By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />It has been recently brought to the City's attention that several homes within the <br />Highland at River Park subdivision have constructed retaining walls within the drainage <br />and utility easement placed over an area subject to ponding. This presents the possibility <br />that the City may become involved in complaints or litigation in the event that a high <br />water event causes damage to the wall. However more significantly, the construction of <br />the retaining wall usually includes filling behind the wall which results in a reduction in <br />capacity of the pond volume to hold the desig-n storm event. <br /> <br />At the present time no permits are required for the construction of a retaining wall unless <br />it exceeds four feet in height. Additionally, even retaining wails ~eater than four feet'in <br />height can be constructed without a permit if they are constructed in terraced lifts with <br />each individual lift being less than four feet. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />The City should consider some measures to protect the capacity of the storm water ponds <br />that have been constructed to protect structures from flooding. It is suggested that the <br />City adopt a policy which specifically prohibits the construction of retaining walls within <br />drainage and utility easements. Attached to this case is a draft policy which prohibits the <br />construction of retaining walls within drainage and utility easements. <br /> <br />Action: <br /> <br />Motion to recommend to the City Council that it adopt ~he attached policy prohibiting <br />retaining walls in draniage and utility easements. <br /> <br />Reviewed By: <br />Public Works Director <br />Assistant Public Works Director <br />Street Manitenance Supervisor <br /> <br />PW: 07/20/04 <br /> <br /> <br />