N.J. Admin. Code § 7:13-12.13 - Requirements for a retaining wall or bulkhead

(a) Except as provided in (b) below, this section sets forth specific design and construction standards that apply to any retaining wall or bulkhead which is located within a regulated water, a floodway, or within 25 feet of any top of bank.

(b) This section does not apply to any retaining wall or bulkhead in a tidal flood hazard area that is authorized under a valid coastal permit, or is exempt from requiring a coastal permit under N.J.A.C. 7:7-2.4(d)6.

(c) The Department shall issue an individual permit to construct or reconstruct a retaining wall or bulkhead subject to this section only if the following requirements are satisfied:

1. The retaining wall or bulkhead is designed with stable footings. In general, footings shall extend at least three feet below grade, unless such footings are not possible to construct or necessary for stability;

2. The retaining wall or bulkhead is designed to withstand displacement, overturning, and failure due to undermining and/or pressure from soil, water, and frost; and

3. If located within a regulated water or within 25 feet of any top of bank, the retaining wall or bulkhead is designed to be resistant to erosion as well as the possibility of a shifting bed and/or bank over time.

(d) The Department shall issue an individual permit to construct or reconstruct a retaining wall or bulkhead subject to this section, which is four feet in height or greater, only if the applicant provides an engineering certification confirming that the requirements of (c) above are satisfied.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:13-12.13

Adopted by 48 N.J.R. 1067(a), effective 6/20/2016