Commission approves PUD revision to permit taller retaining wall at Audubon Way lot

The Columbia County Planning Commission on Sept. 18 recommended approval of a major planned‑unit‑development revision to permit an increased retaining‑wall height at a vacant lot at 887 Audubon Way. Dana, planning staff, described the 0.37‑acre lot at the end of a loop and noted a roughly 14‑foot change in elevation across the parcel. "There's about a 14 foot drop from side to side there," Dana said, explaining that one side of the site includes a small retaining wall (maximum 3 feet allowed) while the rear wall would exceed the PUD standard and therefore requires a revision. Dana told commissioners the homeowners association and design review board had approved the house placement and that staff recommended approval, subject to an easement encroachment agreement because the wall encroaches into site setbacks. The staff report said the major revision "shall allow a total height for the retaining wall and fence" as proposed in the application; the transcript records that phrasing in the staff presentation. A representative for PDH Builders spoke for the applicant; no speakers in opposition were recorded. A commissioner moved to recommend approval with conditions (motion recorded in the minutes as file RZ250908). The motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion carried. The motion as stated on the record read in part: "Chairman, I make a motion to recommend approval with conditions. File RZ25‑09‑08. Major PUD revision at 887 Audubon Way to allow a retaining wall and fence with a maximum bind height of 15." The transcript does not include a detailed roll‑call tally; the chair announced the motion carried. The county will require an easement encroachment agreement and other standard conditions before issuing final approvals.