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ADR supports single retaining wall at 11 Woodhaven to stabilize sliding hillside
Summary
At conceptual review ADR members favored a single, deep-pier retaining wall for 11 Woodhaven to stabilize a sliding lot, noting the alternative terracing would remove oaks and be more disruptive; presenters said the downhill neighbor supports stabilization and proposed hedges to screen the wall.
Ross ADR members gave generally positive conceptual feedback Dec. 16 for a retaining wall proposed at 11 Woodhaven aimed at stabilizing a hillside that has shown movement.
John Simenek of Sutro Architects and the property owner explained the lot sits on a steep slope and is subject to Ross’ hillside regulations. Their plan calls for a continuous retaining wall with deep drilled piers and, in the highest portions, wall heights between about 6 and 8 feet. Simenek said a single wall reduces wider disturbance, avoids removing several oak trees, and is less expensive than a terraced alternative. The team proposed planting a native wax myrtle hedge along the wall and finishing the wall with a stucco/slurry coat painted a dark green to blend with plantings.
ADR members probed materiality, planting size and survivability near oak trees, and the visual effect on the downhill neighbor at 9 Woodhaven. The presenters said the neighbor who would be most affected has already expressed support because the work stabilizes soils under the neighbor’s property. Members recommended that the applicant provide more detail on plant sizes and deer protection, confirmed that drilled piers and concrete walls are consistent with the geotechnical prescription, and suggested softening options such as creeping fig or other climbing plantings on the wall face as it matures.
On balance the ADR found the single-wall approach reasonable for conceptual review because it minimizes disturbance to protected oaks and the overall hillside. Staff and the applicants will develop planting and wall-face details for later design-review or permit submittals.
