Retaining Wall Fence Requirements
Details about guard railing designs codes requirements for use at retaining walls are given here.
Retaining wall fence requirements. For information about fences see our fences and the law booklet. Retaining walls a retaining wall is a structure built to retain a difference in ground level. One of the things you must get right is the thickness of the wall. When a fence is erected on top of a retaining wall the height of the fence shall be measured from the top of the retaining wall to the top of the fence.
If your wall leans to an extent that could present a danger e g. Fences walls and gates do not require building regulation approval. Retaining walls can be tricky to build as they need to be strong enough to resist horizontal soil pressure where there are differing ground levels. As detailed in best practices guide to residential construction.
It should be at least 215mm thick and bonded or made of two separate brick skins tied together. The difference in grade level on either side of the wall is in excess of 4 feet. Although building regulations do not apply the structures must be structurally sound and maintained. If an existing fence wall or gate already exceeds the limits above that its height would not be increased.
Although building regulations do not apply the structures must be structurally sound and maintained. No part of the fence wall gate or any other boundary involved forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building or its curtilage. While a retaining wall can serve as the footing for a fence the wall itself is not considered to be a fence and is covered by different laws. Safety devices are required at the top of the retaining wall or retaining wall system i e.
Fences walls and gates do not require building regulation approval. The international residential code irc requires a minimum 36 inch high guardrail for all decks balconies or screened enclosures more than 30 inches off the ground. More than 30mm half brick wall 70mm single brick wall or 100mm brick and a half wall it is recommended that expert advice is.