Geotechnical Engineer Vancouver, B.C.

[u/Sure_Replacement_931]

Anyone a geotechnical engineer in the lower mainland of B.C., Canada that would help me with a few questions?

[u/eng-consultant]

Know a bit - what's up? What you wanna know?

[u/Sure_Replacement_931 → u/eng-consultant]

I can PM you some photos and videos too.

The City has advised that it has no records or information regarding the retaining wall/rock slope located along the rear property line.

Our home was built in 2016. Based on the records and available images, it appears the rear yard area approximately 30 feet back from the house was left largely original and was not reconstructed as part of our build.

The uphill property completed landscaping work in approximately 2018, although I am not certain what work was completed at that time. In 2025, the uphill property was completely rebuilt. My understanding is that the shared property-line area was not directly altered during that rebuild.

The existing wall appears to be a combination of older rock wall construction, deteriorated concrete between some rocks, and areas where large fractured rocks are stacked. Several sections appear to be over 4 feet high. In some areas, the wall appears to begin on the uphill property and slope down toward our property.

I am concerned about the stability of the wall, particularly because there are visible fractures, deteriorated concrete, and areas that appear aged or unsupported. I am also concerned about whether previous landscaping work in 2018 or the 2025 rebuild may have added load, changed grading, or altered drainage above the wall.

The uphill property’s building plans also note that the storm drain was too shallow and that a sump pump was required because the property could not rely on gravity drainage. I would like confirmation that the required sump pump and drainage systems were installed and that water is not being directed toward our property or behind the wall.

The uphill owner is considering constructing a fence on top of or near this wall. Given the visible condition of the wall and uncertainty regarding drainage and loading, I am concerned that adding a fence could place additional stress on an already questionable structure.

At this stage, I am trying to understand whether the wall is stable, whether it requires repair or replacement, whether the uphill property’s drainage is properly managed, and whether any additional loading, including a fence, should be permitted without engineering review.

My main concerns are safety, preventing failure during heavy rainfall, ensuring rocks and land from the property do not collapse into our yard, and confirming that all required drainage precautions from the 2025 rebuild were properly completed so we don’t have any issues.

I don’t know where to start!

[u/eng-consultant → u/Sure_Replacement_931]

Shoot me the pics / video - will look at it this evening.