Ross ADR recommends approval for 40 Upper Road design after retaining walls reduced

Ross’ Advisory Design Review (ADR) panel on Nov. 19 recommended that the Town Council approve design review and a hillside law permit for work at 40 Upper Road, after the applicant revised retaining walls to meet the town’s 6-foot guideline and added stormwater mitigation.

Staff said the application proposes an infinity pool, deck, pool equipment enclosure, terraces and retaining walls up to 6 feet, and an impervious-surface increase of about 2,400 square feet to be offset in part by a new 172-square-foot bioretention area. Designer Xiaochian Chong of Studio H2 told the ADR the two lots have received approval to merge and that grading was adjusted so all retaining walls remain under 6 feet.

In response to ADR questions, Chong said the pool stayed at the previously reviewed elevation because lowering it further would create taller background walls; the team added a relocated pathway and additional planting—evergreens and seasonal species—to screen hardscape. Chong also described a concrete slab for pool equipment concealed by a wood enclosure with a roof and said the pool fencing will be a substantial wood-post-and-mesh assembly while guardrails may be metal.

Members weighed visual impacts, site isolation and neighbor perspectives. After discussion, the panel recommended approval. An ADR member summarized the decision by saying the proposal “meets the design guidelines” in its current form and another member closed the matter with, “I also recommend approval as is.”

The ADR’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for final action.