Wallsburg applicants seek approval to rebuild and extend retaining wall; utility pole relocation flagged

Chris and Derek Figueroa asked the Planning Commission on Sept. 17 for guidance to replace and extend a deteriorating retaining wall along their property out to the Main Street line and to install a fence on top of the new wall.

The applicants said they intend to center an approximately 8-foot retaining wall on the property line and noted a utility pole and street light that sit near the existing wall would need to be moved or accommodated. One applicant said he would prefer to place the new wall on the property line and put a fence above it, and acknowledged the existing pole would likely need relocation by the utility.

Commissioners read code language aloud and advised that many retaining walls under county thresholds (for example, under 10 feet in height and less than specified lengths) are permitted uses but that anything above those thresholds can require engineering reports and county building-department review. Several commissioners recommended the applicants contact Rocky Mountain Power to determine whether the utility requires consent or will charge to move the pole; the commission noted that relocation costs generally fall to the property owner unless the utility or town assumes them.

Commissioners did not require the applicants to obtain a town building permit based on the presented plans but recommended the applicants confirm specific height/engineering thresholds with the county building department and notify the town and utility before beginning work. The applicants said they hope to begin work by Nov. 1, weather permitting.