So what material is best for creating a curve in the mold for a concrete bar countertop? I've heard of using black landscape material and bonding it to the melamine w/ silicone? But I would think there is a better way? Thanks!

I bought a house this year. The driveway is long enough for 2 1/2 cars but only wide enough for 1 car. It has retaining walls on both sides. The wall on the right side is about 4 1/2 feet tall and is leaning maybe 20 degrees. The wall on the left is about 2 feet tall. So I was thinking about extending the driveway to the left by removing the 2 foot wall and digging down the dirt to driveway level. Letting it compact over a couple of months and then adding some gravel. My first question is, would this require a permit? Speaking with the city, I think a permit is only required if you prohibit water from seaping into the ground (in other words pouring concrete/blacktop). HOWEVER, I quickly realized the city guy either know very little or is unwilling to help me figure out the system. Second question, since the other wall is leaning would they deem it unsafe and make me replace it? A neighbor is having his whole driveway redone with blacktop and they made him replace a similar leaning wall. Only difference is that he asked for a permit and I don't think I have to. But even without the permit if the inspector drives by and sees me working, will he look for other illegalities on my home? Which is the third question, if an inspector comes to my home, can they fine me or make me repair stuff? The house is old and I am sure there are a few unsafe things... but I don't have money to fix everything at once! For instance the stairs on the side of the house from the kitchen to the backyard is falling apart. I know it needs to be fixed, so I just don't use it. If I work on a wall in the front yard with or without a permit... can a city inspector come and make me repair the side stairs?