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Norminn

wrote:

We have a slope in our back garden that we want to terrace. The rise
is a little over 8 ft, and the run is 20 feet. We're thinking 4
terraces, each about 5 feet wide, with walls about 3 ft to 3 ft 6.

First, what do you suggest to maintain overall stability? And how
about drainage? We get quite a bit of rain, but currently erosion is a
problem (hope terracing will help that!)

Second, do we need building permits to change the landscaping in our
own back yard? And if we don't get permits, what might happen??

Thanks! :-)

I don't know the technical issues, just a few things from experience.
Our local codes address
changes in drainage, removal of trees, using rock for mulch, etc.
Whatever you plan, I would
run it by the building code office. You can probably find code online.

Is slope AWAY from the house? Will the drainage still be downslope as it
is now, or will it be diverted? That would be a major
concern. You don't want the water in a neighbor's yard. Does water
collect?

From work we had done on our seawall, and old problems with soil
washing out from behind the
wall, I would pay special attention to using weepholes, and using
landscape cloth behind the wall
to hold back soil when water drains. Tiebacks to hold wall in place
also something to think about.

We live on relatively flat ground, but have very heavy rains in summer
(Florida). Building design
is such that downspouts pour a huge amount of water out along the
building. We were able to
cure a lot of the erosion that had occurred from that with landscaping.
We planted stuff that
is dense and has tight roots - holds soil AND diffuses the flow. You
can also place stuff like
rock or timbers across the slope to slow down the water.