Whitefish Planning Commission approves retaining-wall variance at 526 Scott Avenue after neighbor objections

The Whitefish Planning Commission voted Feb. 19 to approve a zoning variance allowing a retaining wall constructed near 526 Scott Avenue to remain as built. The commission considered a staff report that said the wall exceeds four feet measured from the downhill side and sits at the south property line, but that strict application of setback requirements would prevent reasonable use of the lot.

Planner Lauren McDonald outlined the staff recommendation, saying the proposal “is a retaining wall that exceeds 4 feet in height at its tallest point, and from it was measured at completion, from the downhill grade” and that staff found the application met the zoning variance criteria because the lot’s configuration and topography create a hardship (Lauren McDonald). McDonald told the commission the prior wall encroached onto the neighbor’s land and that relocation onto the applicant’s property and installation of a French drain improved runoff mitigation compared with the older, nonconforming wall.

The applicants’ attorney, Camisha…