West Kelowna wall planning
Turn visible conditions, site geometry, drainage paths and adjacent uses into a project record that can support professional checks and comparable proposals.
Contour desk
Open each layer to build a wall record without turning observation into a structural conclusion.
Mark the retained height, slope direction, steps, returns and uses above and below the wall.
Trace visible runoff, roof discharge, irrigation, ponding, erosion and known outlets by date.
Record nearby driveways, structures, fences, stored material and routes for qualified review.
Choose the next decision
Start with the page that matches the uncertainty you need to resolve—not a preset solution.
A safe observation protocol for leaning, bulging, cracking, settlement, erosion, water and changes near a retaining wall.
Open guide →02Compare repair and replacement paths only after documenting wall construction, movement, drainage, foundation, loads and access.
Open guide →03Record upslope runoff, surface grading, possible behind-wall drainage, outlets, erosion and neighbouring effects without prescribing a system.
Open guide →04Organize the project facts the City, engineer, geotechnical professional, surveyor and utility contacts may need to route the work.
Open guide →05Compare segmental block, concrete, rock and other proposed systems by site evidence, access, drainage interfaces, finish, maintenance and submittals.
Open guide →06Put professional inputs, quantities, site preparation, wall components, drainage, access, exclusions and closeout on one comparison sheet.
Open guide →Decision file
Note what the wall retains and what sits above and below it. A driveway, building, fence, pool, public route or steep slope changes the questions a reviewer may need to answer.
Photograph leaning, bulging, cracking, settlement and erosion from safe repeatable viewpoints. The record shows change over time; it does not establish cause or stability.
Map roof discharge, irrigation, hard surfaces, upslope runoff and any visible outlet. Drainage design and adequacy still require project-specific review.
Use wall geometry, loads, property boundaries and the proposed work to ask the City and qualified professionals what permits, design, geotechnical input, survey or utility checks apply.
Primary references
Links checked in the approved research packet on August 26, 2026. Applicability still depends on the property and proposed scope.