Skip to main content
Request a Proposal
Retaining Wall Inspection

NYC DOB Retaining Wall Inspection Mandate

A Retaining Wall is a wall that resists lateral or other forces caused by soil, rock, water or other materials. Thereby, it prevents lateral displacement and the movement of the mass by sliding to a lower elevation. Such term doesn’t include basement walls and vault walls that are part of a building, and underground structures. This includes but is not limited to utility vault structures, tunnels, transit stations and swimming pools.

Retaining Walls: Inspection and Reporting Requirements

O&S will provide a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector to perform a condition assessment of the retaining wall and file a “Report of Condition Assessment” defined by the DOB as:

“a written report filed with the Department by a qualified retaining wall inspector clearly documenting the conditions noted during the assessment”
“areas that need repair, maintenance, or engineering monitoring; a final wall rating; and any other requirements mandated by this rule”

The qualified wall inspector may need to obtain probes or cores to determine the thickness of the wall. Further, this will be used to determine other conditions or measurements as required by the code. Probes or cores, if needed, will be performed by a contractor as a reimbursable expense.

FO&S will then file a report, which includes a rating per the following, and recommendations for repairs or maintenance.

Wall Ratings:

  • Final wall rating in which a retaining wall is determined to be fully functional with no action required at the time of assessment.
  • Safe with minor repairs or maintenance. Final wall rating in which a retaining wall is found at the time of assessment to be safe, but requires minor repair or routine maintenance within the next five years to correct minor deficiencies in order to minimize or delay further wall deterioration and remain safe.
Segmental Retaining Wall Assessment, Concrete Retaining Wall Inspection, Reinforced Soil Wall Integrity, Retaining Wall Safety Evaluation
  • Safe with repairs and/or engineering monitoring. A final wall rating in which a retaining wall is found at the time of assessment to be safe but requires repair within the next five years to correct minor to severe deficiencies in order to minimize or delay further wall deterioration and remain safe. In addition to repair, the qualified retaining wall inspector deems it necessary to regularly monitor and/or investigate further the retaining wall to determine the nature or cause of observed distresses and what action may be required.
  • Unsafe. A condition of a retaining wall and any appurtenances found at the time of assessment that is a hazard to persons or property and requires immediate abatement and/or public protection.

 

Retaining Wall Inspection

NYC DOB Retaining Walls for Property Owners

NYC DOB Retaining Walls FAQ

Retaining Wall Inspections Required by NYC DOB Mandate