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Commission approves retaining-wall amendment for 9504 Old Bottom Road
Summary
The commission approved an amendment to previously approved plans for a new home at 9504 Old Bottom Road to add two retaining walls (about 3 and 5 feet) to terrace the backyard slope; staff said tiering and added landscaping will reduce runoff velocity and help erosion control.
The Olivette Planning & Community Design Commission unanimously approved on April 16 an amendment to a previously approved plan for a single-family home at 9504 Old Bottom Road to install two backyard retaining walls to terrace a slope and reduce erosion.
Staff described the walls as approximately 3 feet and 5 feet in height and said that, because the permit is still active and the amendment changes the approved plan set, the item was returned to the commission for review. Staff said the tiered walls and additional landscaping would "slow down velocity," reducing the erosion that can occur on a straight slope.
A representative of Boulevard Custom Homes told the commission the buyer is pushing to level parts of the yard and that walls will help direct water more toward the southwest corner where the existing drainage is designed to handle runoff. "They're both turned out to be very nice homes," the representative said of the development.
Commissioners discussed whether guardrails or fences would be required where grade differences create fall hazards; staff said guardrails are treated differently across jurisdictions and may be required for walkable grassy areas with drops exceeding 3 feet unless landscaping mitigates the risk. The petitioner said fencing and landscaping details are being finalized with the buyer and landscaper.
A motion to approve the amendment to the 11/21/2024 petition for community design and concept stormwater management review, as presented in the Department memorandum dated April 16, 2026 and subject to staff conditions, was made, seconded and approved (recorded as 4-0). Staff said the permit remains active and the developer will proceed with final design details as part of the building-permit process.
