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Planning Commission recommends approval of critical-slope exception at 1115 Saint Charles Court
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a special exception to disturb about 500 square feet of critical slope at 1115 Saint Charles Court to allow a patio, retaining wall and shed; staff noted a private drainage easement and asked that a minor development plan be reviewed for easement impacts.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special exception permit allowing about 500 square feet of disturbance to critical slopes at 1115 Saint Charles Court to permit backyard improvements including a patio, retaining wall and a shed.
Staff presented the request and recommended approval, noting one outstanding technical issue: a private drainage easement runs through the rear yard. Dan O'Connell, MBS planner, said staff would ask the applicant to file a minor development plan so city utilities and staff can confirm the proposed improvements will not encroach on the easement.
The homeowner who spoke at the meeting described the backyard as “very steep” and said safety concerns motivated the request. “I’ve actually almost fallen, when it was really icy earlier,” the applicant said, adding the project would create a small flat area for family use and reduce a safety hazard.
Commissioners discussed whether an application like this would normally be handled on a consent agenda and whether recent code changes affected that practice; several commissioners characterized this request as a small encroachment. No conditions were added beyond staff’s request to review the minor development plan for easement impacts.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.
