HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-05 OPH Ltr to Homeowner Re Retaining Wall & Former Pool Area Weeds City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Phone: 651.439.4439
P.O. Box 2007 Fax: 651.439.0574
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
September 5, 2012
Melinda Peters
13947 55 St. N.
Oak Park Heights, MN 555082
Re: Retaining Wall @ Side Yard
Dear Melinda:
Following up to our conversation, regarding the retaining wall at your side yard, I did visit your property to
view the wall. The wall installed to the west of your yard would not have been installed by the City. I
reviewed your property file to determine whether or not a permit had been pulled for a retaining wall
installation and found none.
If you plan to hire a contractor to repair or replace this wall, you should be certain that they are familiar with
walls the height of yours. I have enclosed a fence permit handout, which is also used for retaining walls. The
short version is that retaining walls must be fully upon your property, with property lines being verified prior
to wall installation. Retaining walls 4 -feet or shorter do not require a building permit as per the 2007 MN
State Building Code (1300.0120, subp. 4.A (4); however City Ordinance 401.15.E. does require a zoning permit
for retaining walls 4 -feet or shorter. The zoning permit fee is $50.00. Retaining Walls greater than 4 -feet
require a building permit, with the permit fee based upon the job value.
Both permits will require that your property lines be located, that a plan for the wall and a site plan drawn to
scale, and that and structural reinforcement and /or engineering details be submitted with the fence permit
application. Contractors working to install the wall shall be licensed by the City of Oak Park Heights or provide
proof of license from the State of Minnesota.
On another note, while I was at your home, I noticed that the filled in pool and rear yard has very tall weeds.
Please cut those weeds down.
I hope that you find this information helpful and invite you to call /email me with any questions you may have
regarding your wall project.
Sincerely,
41111h... '
Jul'- ultman, CBO
PI. n ing & Code Enforcement
Enclosure
Email: jhultman @cityofoakparkheights.com