Retaining wall codes

[kycathy30]

We are building a new home in Northern Kentucky and the builder has determined (at the end of the build) that they need to build a retaining wall between the driveway and the backyard. The grade is too steep. The wall is 31" away from the driveway, but is over a 6-foot drop. I can't find any details about the code for retaining walls.
Is the builder required to have a barrier - natural or manmade?

 

[tbz]

Highly unlikely as that area will be considered landscaping

See this other thread that covers this topic in detail: https://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com/forum/threads/retaining-wall-guard-requirement.31602/

but the only entity that can tell you specifically is the local building department.

 

[ICE]

We are building a new home in Northern Kentucky and the builder has determined (at the end of the build) that they need to build a retaining wall between the driveway and the backyard. The grade is too steep. The wall is 31" away from the driveway, but is over a 6-foot drop. I can't find any details about the code for retaining walls.
Is the builder required to have a barrier - natural or manmade?

A retaining wall is not the same as a guard wall. The purpose of a retaining wall is to provide support. The purpose of a guard wall is to protect.

A driveway thirty-one inches away from a six foot drop off could benefit from a retaining wall. A driveway thirty-one inches from a drop off could benefit from a guard wall.

Site conditions are the deciding factor for a retaining wall requirement....not the code.

Here is the California Residential Code:
R312.1 Guards. Guards shall be provided in accordance with Sections R312.1.1 through R312.1.4.
R312.1.1 Where required. Guards shall be provided for those portions of open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Insect screening shall not be considered as a guard.

The conundrum is that it does not apply to a driveway. Some people here at the forum will disagree with that statement.

 

[Mark K]

Forget about trying to find a specific provision in the IRC. If you have a 6 foot drop in elevation you need a retaining wall and you need to have it designed by a civil engineer. If your lot will allow, you could possibly avoid the wall if you adjust the grade.

 

[ICE]

Forget about trying to find a specific provision in the IRC. If you have a 6 foot drop in elevation you need a retaining wall and you need to have it designed by a civil engineer. If your lot will allow, you could possibly avoid the wall if you adjust the grade.

Did you mean to say “A response is not possible with the limited information provided”?.