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Richfield commission approves retaining wall and pool grading, requires HOA sign-off and engineering details
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a change-of-grade permit for a retaining wall and proposed pool at 4012 Olde Orchard Trail, contingent on engineer-specified design details and confirmation that the HOA allows a pool in its stormwater easement.
The Richfield Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 approved a change-of-grade permit allowing a retaining wall exceeding three feet and grading for a proposed pool at 4012 Olde Orchard Trail, but the approval was made contingent on addressing outstanding engineering comments and obtaining any necessary homeowner association permission.
Director of Planning and Zoning Brian Frantz introduced the application by property owner Jonathan Tartara and noted the Village Engineer’s memorandum identifying technical items that must be resolved before final plan approval. Village Engineer David Neumeyer told the commission that the applicant must submit a retaining wall design and that a railing would be required “if the retaining wall exceeds 30 inches in height.” He also noted the proposed pool falls within an HOA stormwater easement and recommended the applicant obtain written confirmation from the HOA that a pool is permitted in that area.
Applicant Tartara and his contractor, Bob Jones, answered commission questions about the wall system (Mr. Jones said the proposal is a Unilock retaining wall) and were told to provide a wall section and other details to satisfy engineering review. Director Frantz said the Village cannot adjudicate private HOA disputes and asked Tartara to provide an email to Planning and Zoning stating the HOA is not functioning if that is the case.
Commission member Dan Holahan suggested the applicant consult his insurance company about railing height and safety requirements. The commission voted unanimously to approve Case 01-2026 on the recommendation that the applicant address the Village Engineer’s technical comments and provide the HOA documentation or otherwise resolve the easement issue as a civil matter.
Next steps: the applicant must submit the retaining wall design, any required wall section, and documentation about HOA approval (or the HOA’s non-functioning status) for final plan approval.
