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Planning Commission approves front-yard retaining wall at 308 Maplewood Court
Summary
The Paso Robles Planning Commission voted 6-0 to approve a development plan modification allowing an approximately 10-foot retaining wall in the front yard of a new single-family home at 308 Maplewood Court, subject to conditions and building-code review.
The Paso Robles Planning Commission on June 24 approved a development plan modification to allow construction of an approximately 10-foot retaining wall in the front yard at 308 Maplewood Court, voting 6-0 to adopt the resolution approving Development Plan PD 25-09 and Modification MOD 25-06.
Staff said the request is a retaining-wall height modification for a new single-family residence on a steep lot created as part of a 17-lot subdivision. Darcy Delgado, Associate Planner, described the request as "a retaining wall height modification for a single-family residence" and said the proposed top of wall is 10 feet 9½ inches on the plans.
The modification would exceed the zoning code's normal exposed-wall limit (4 feet by right for single-family lots over 10,000 square feet) and was routed through the Development Review Committee before referral to the Planning Commission. Delgado told commissioners the project qualifies for a Class 3 categorical exemption under the CEQA Guidelines (section 15303) for limited new construction and that the retaining-wall construction will be subject to inspection under the California Building Code.
Commissioners questioned site details and appearance. Commissioner Connolly asked whether the architect had considered a stepped retaining-wall design or planter breaks to reduce visual massing, saying, "why the architect didn't consider a stepped version of a retaining wall" and suggesting planter boxes between shorter walls. Richard Brody, the civil engineer for Slow Civil Design, said his grading sheets show a partly stepped situation and that the engineered wall does not extend as far down the driveway as some architectural renderings indicated; he said he did not see sight-distance problems. A homeowner who identified himself as the property owner said the plan "would really hide that wall fairly well" once the specified trees and shrubs mature.
Staff recommended the commission find that the modification meets the required development-plan findings in section 21.1601(c) of the Paso Robles zoning code, including compatibility with surrounding uses, protection of scenic and environmental resources, and preservation of adequate emergency access. Staff also noted there are no oak trees on the site and that the design avoids constructing individual pads on slopes over 35 percent.
Commissioners sought clarifications about elevations and railings. Commissioner Marlowe pointed out a minor typo in the grading section cut elevations that staff agreed to correct; commissioners also discussed the need for safety railing where the wall height triggers building-code requirements, with Delgado noting the California Building Code will determine the threshold for required railings and that the details can be addressed on building-permit plans.
The motion to approve the development plan and modification was made by Commissioner Neal and seconded by Commissioner Christiansen. Roll-call votes were recorded as Neal—Aye; Christiansen—Aye; Marlowe—Aye; Connolly—Aye; Roden—Aye; Covarrubias (Chairperson)—Aye. The motion passed 6-0. The approval is subject to the written findings and the conditions of approval in the staff report and to applicable building-code and permit requirements.
The commission closed the public hearing after no members of the public spoke and then approved the consent minutes and moved on to other committee reports before adjourning.
