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Neighbors press Lago Vista for enforcement after large retaining wall, stop‑work order on Twisting Trail
Summary
Multiple neighbors told the council they are alarmed by unpermitted mass grading, 6‑foot walls and boulder fill at 20903 Twisting Trail; staff confirmed a stop‑work order was issued for the pool/wall and building officials are monitoring.
Several Lago Vista residents came to the council during public comment on Thursday to complain about ongoing grading, large retaining walls and boulder fill at 20903 Twisting Trail, saying the work started after a stop‑work order and has caused runoff that damaged neighboring yards.
Neighbors described a roughly 6‑foot vertical wall, extensive boulder infill between a newly excavated pool and the wall, and ongoing work that they say continued after a stop‑work notice. Speakers said the structure sits near a city easement and that storm runoff from the site has flowed onto adjacent properties, eroding ditches and contributing debris.
City response: Building official Mitch Richards (referred to in public comments) and city staff said the initial stop‑work order targeted the wall and pool area; other building activities on the house have continued where permitted. Staff told residents grading at the site was not depicted on the plans that had been submitted, and that enforcement — including potential administrative penalties and citations — is available if the stop‑work order is violated. Staff said building‑official, CIP and code‑enforcement personnel are monitoring the site and working with the contractor.
Why it matters: Residents described damage to private property, safety concerns, and potential impacts to drainage and easements. Several speakers asked the council to ensure consistent enforcement and to consider changes to permitting and stop‑work procedures so neighbors get timely protections and clearer information about enforcement outcomes.
Council direction: City staff said they will continue monitoring the site, that the building official has isolated the stop‑work order to the pool and wall (allowing construction of the primary house to proceed subject to submitted plans), and urged residents to submit formal complaints to code enforcement to trigger additional action. The Building & Standards Commission later asked council for a referral to evaluate changes to permit processes and to consider adoption of updated pool/spa codes and improved permit application screening to catch topography or floodplain issues earlier.
What residents asked for: Clearer, consistent stop‑work enforcement; faster staff follow‑up on complaints; and earlier identification of grade/topography deviations in the permit review process so neighbors are not surprised by changes that alter runoff.
