1. (a) When installing retaining walls, the licensed contractor shall:

   1. (1) Adhere to all pertinent codes;
   2. (2) Adhere to all NC Department of Insurance requirements regarding the construction of retaining walls which are hereby incorporated by reference and can be found at www.ncosfm.gov/codes free of charge;
   3. (3) Adhere to manufacturer's or design professionals specifications;
   4. (4) Bury the first course of a retaining wall;
   5. (5) Not construct dry-laid stone walls of a height more than 3 feet above grade;
   6. (6) Include a subdrain system that is constructed and sized to release the subsurface water behind the wall and not allow hydrostatic pressure to build behind the wall;
   7. (7) Construct on a level, well-compacted base of granular material at least 6 inches deep;
   8. (8) Place backfill behind retaining walls in lifts no greater than 6 inches before compacted (each lift shall be well-compacted);
   9. (9) Prevent excessive runoff from passing over a retaining wall;
   10. (10) Construct vertically-set timber walls with above-ground heights equal to or less than the depth of timbers below grade;
   11. (11) Install deadmen every fourth course on 8 feet centers when constructing horizontally-set timber retaining walls with staggered joints;
   12. (12) Stagger the joints when constructing dry-laid stone walls. If successive vertical joints occur, the licensed contractor shall avoid running vertical joints more than two courses; and
   13. (13) Assure that segmental walls meet the manufacturer's specifications.

2. (b) When installing retaining walls of dry-laid stone or concrete rubble, the licensed contractor shall:

   1. (1) Construct the wall no higher than 3 feet above grade; and
   2. (2) Stagger the joints when constructing a dry-laid stone wall.

3. (c) When installing freestanding walls, the licensed contractor shall:

   1. (1) Install footings for masonry and cast-in-place concrete freestanding walls of reinforced concrete. The top of the footing shall be at least 1 foot below grade.
   2. (2) Reinforce freestanding walls as needed to prevent displacement from wind loads.
   3. (3) Ensure that moisture is prevented from entering a cavity wall during construction.
   4. (4) Ensure that segmental wall construction meets segmental wall manufacturer's specifications.

History Note: Authority G.S. 89D-15(2); 89D-15(16);
Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 2016;
Eff. September 1, 2016;
Amended Eff. July 1, 2021.