Moraga planning commission recommends council approve grading, hillside permits for Rancho Moraga landslide repair

The Moraga Town Planning Commission voted 6–0 on May 19 to adopt a resolution recommending the Town Council approve grading permit GR0524 and hillside development permit HDP0524 for a landslide repair and slope stabilization project affecting three common‑area parcels in Rancho Moraga.

Assistant Planner Cassius Karending told the commission staff “recommends approval of the grading permit and hillside development permit” subject to conditions that include final plan review, peer‑review compliance, and long‑term maintenance responsibilities. Staff said the project area is on the northeast side of Moraga near the corridor shown in the project materials and spans common parcels associated with the Rancho Moraga Homeowners Association, the Woodminster Homeowners Association and the Moraga Place owners association.

The scope includes remedial grading and slope reconstruction to remove failed landslide material down to competent bedrock, installation of an underground drainage system and engineered soil reinforcement, and construction of a permanent debris deflection and catchment wall. Staff described a 100‑foot long, 4‑foot tall debris deflection wall and a maintenance bench to allow equipment access; the repaired slope is proposed at a finished 2:1 ratio intended to match the surrounding contours.

Staff cited project thresholds in the municipal code that trigger review: approximately 5,200 cubic yards of earthwork (about 2,600 cubic yards of cut and 2,600 cubic yards of fill), excavation deeper than 3 feet in places, and repaired slopes steeper than 5:1. The project is supported by a geotechnical investigation prepared by consulting firm Haley and Aldridge and peer‑reviewed by the town’s geotechnical consultant, Geoengineer Solutions, which found the repair design consistent with current geotechnical practice.

During commissioner questioning, staff clarified that the project timeline traces to a 2017 landslide; temporary stabilization measures (tarps, drainage and a temporary catchment wall) remained in place until the application for permanent repair moved into the town planning process in 2024 and the applicant subsequently completed responses to peer‑review and completeness items. A participant who identified himself as Chris Moore said a lawsuit among the three HOAs delayed progress, that the lawsuit “we settled the lawsuit financially three years ago,” and that the project is “about $700,000” and is being funded by the HOAs and their insurance carriers.

On fiscal responsibility, staff said the town will not bear construction costs: “No, there is not. This is solely… the responsibility of the property owners and the HOA and the applicant,” staff said, describing the project as privately funded by the associations. Staff also told commissioners that public works will administer hauling permits and that a combined deposit commonly collected for grading and hillside review routed to council is roughly $9,600, with final charges depending on actual staff time and project scope.

Commissioners asked for and received map clarifications showing the debris catchment wall would be located on the Moraga Place parcel and would extend toward the corner near 10 Via Barcelona; staff pointed to two most‑affected residences (8 Via Barcelona and 10 Via Barcelona) identified in project materials. Staff said final civil and grading plans will be reviewed by public works and engineering before any permit issuance and that conditions require the geotechnical engineer to provide a stamped confirmation letter verifying retaining wall calculations prior to issuing the grading permit.

Chair Maple moved the resolution recommending Town Council approval; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with six yes and zero no. Staff said the item is anticipated to go to Town Council on June 10 and reminded the public there is a 10‑day appeal period for planning commission decisions.

The commission’s action forwards a technical repair intended to reduce future soil and debris movement toward residences. The approval includes detailed conditions intended to ensure construction follows the geotechnical recommendations, implements erosion and drainage controls, and assigns long‑term maintenance to the HOA/property owners.