Commission approves PUD revision to raise retaining‑wall allowance for lot at 887 Audubon Way

The Columbia County Planning Commission on Sept. 18 recommended approval of a major revision to the River Island planned unit development (PUD) to permit higher retaining walls and associated fencing at Lot 27, 887 Audubon Way. Dana, planning staff, told the commission the lot is 0.37 acres and slopes roughly 14 feet side to side; the proposed house design places a garage at the rear of the lot, and the retaining‑wall work will accommodate the grade change. “Staff recommends approval,” Dana said, adding that an encroachment agreement will be required because the retaining wall encroaches into the side setbacks and that the major revision would allow a total height for the retaining wall and fence of 15 as shown in the applicant plans. The River Island homeowners association and the Design Review Board have approved the wall location; staff requested the applicant obtain an encroachment agreement to formalize the wall within the setback. The commission moved and voted to recommend approval with the staff conditions; the motion carried. The approval is a recommendation to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners; an encroachment agreement and final plan approval will be required before construction.