Any Building code about putting concrete blocks on ground?

Question

Hello colleagues,

While we started working on an apartment building (15 units) at Atlanta downtown (GA), we were told some strangers drove cars through the parking lot to the lawn backyard during some nights. Tenants are concerning about the night activities from those strangers.

I got an idea on permanently putting some concrete blocks (6 by 12) on the ground to prevent strangers from driving to the backyard of the apartment building. Does anyone know if there is any building code related to that or not? Or if you have any other experience or idea to get strangers away from the property, can you please share with us?Thank you so much!

I got an idea on permanently putting some concrete blocks (6 by 12) on the ground to prevent strangers from driving to the backyard of the apartment building. Does anyone know if there is any building code related to that or not? Or if you have any other experience or idea to get strangers away from the property, can you please share with us?

Thank you so much!

Phil C. · Answer

As promised, here is what we eventually did for the stranger traffic issue. After we installed the pillars for a few weeks, we asked the feedback from our tenants.

They LOVE it. The stranger traffic / party issue did not happen again after the installation. We plan continuously building more security features in the apartment to show people our seriousness!

Thank you all for your contribution!

Phil C. · Answer

Just to share my plan with team, I plan to build something in the following video. However, instead of doing the expensive bollard, I will build something similar but with just 8*8*16 concrete blocks and 4*4 pressure treated wood secured with concrete on the ground. It will look like a line of mailbox poles and then I connect them with metal chains from homedepot.

I know it is not as strong as the bollard. But I hope it can last enough years until the strangers won't come over any more.

Phil C. · Answer

Thanks team for your response.

It looks like it is not a big concern in terms of building code. However, we will stop by the City and just double check it.

Regarding the actual project, I would prefer it to be a visible setup instead of 'invisible' setup to harm the strangers. I treat it more as a 'word' than a 'weapon' from us to tell them to go away though it is truly a kind of 'weapon':) Also for liability, I don't want the setup to accidentally harm the tenants.

If you have other ideas on dealing with strangers, please share with team as well :)

Matthew Paul · Answer

Its basically landscaping .  Sink some 6 x6 's in the ground and plant marsh grasses around them . When somebody drives thru the grass they will regret it

Jeff Kehl · Answer

@Phil C. in my area people seem to just dump big piles of rocks to deny access. This isn't against any codes to my knowledge except it's hard to maintain the grass/vegetation around it which is a violation if it gets too high.  But to me this is a an out-dated, low-tech answer to the problem.

Get some security cameras from a company like simpli-safe and post them so you catch any cars with the license plates coming in and out. Post a bunch of signs saying no trespassing/video surveillance in progress. Also, call the police and let them know about the issue and ask if they will step up patrols in the area.

For a lower cost solution just post the signs :)

Jared W Smith · Answer

@Phil C. Try pre-manufacturer curb stops instead of CMU blocks. These would be more aesthetically pleasing and be designed for your problem. OR more effective... bollards. Strategically placed would solve your problem however they are more costly to install properly. You can add lighting to them too.

Phil C. · Answer

Thanks Jim @Jim Hiler.

I am that professional as your thoughts:)  What I am thinking is just to put those 6 by 12 concrete blocks every 2 feet on the ground and then pull concrete to seal each block on the ground. That way, I kind of create a barrier for the cars between the parking lot and the backyard lawn from driving to the backyard. Hopefully the strangers cannot easily drive in to have night activities at the backyard of the apartment. Then after a while, they will not bother to come over any more.

BTW, because the apartment is fenced around already, the only way that people can get to the backyard is to go through the parking lot.

Do you think this simple way will have anything to do the building code?

Jim Hiler · Answer

Are you trying to build a CMU/masonry privacy wall? If so you will need to install a footer first. That will involve getting a detail from an engineer, pulling a permit etc.

Without seeing it, sounds like you're much better off just putting up a fence. You will likely still need a permit (depending on the building dept. requirements in your area) but should be much simpler.

A third option could be a stacked retaining wall similar to this photo. For this type of wall typically the only footing required is 6" of #57 stone compacted and leveled. But again you'll need to check with your local building department and may have to consult with an engineer.

https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/...