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Design Review Board approves City Hall modifications, including retaining one streetlight and adjusted landscaping
Summary
The board approved DRB 26‑07, authorizing masonry retaining wall replacement, revised planting species after discovery of a shallow waterline, and retention of an existing streetlight at Evergreen and Gower to avoid utility conflicts.
The Cannon Beach Design Review Board unanimously approved modifications to the previously approved City Hall redevelopment (DRB 24‑07) on March 19.
Staff described three proposed changes: replacement of an existing railroad‑tie retaining wall with a masonry wall sized and colored to match approved courtyard pavers, substitution of proposed shore pines in an East Gower planting strip for shallower‑root species due to the discovery of a shallow 8‑inch water line, and retention of an existing orb streetlight at the Evergreen/Gower intersection because new foundations would conflict with subsurface utilities.
Leslie Jones, project architect for the City Hall project, told the board the masonry option increases durability and will be slightly lower in height than the existing wall; the proposed plant substitutions include species with less aggressive root systems to avoid conflicts with the water line. Jones also said the retained orb light will match existing fixtures at the tower and that alternate pole locations were considered but found to conflict with underground infrastructure.
Board members asked about visual treatments for the wall and whether artistic elements or texture could be incorporated; the applicant said cost and schedule constraints limit extensive custom work but that textures and color choices will be used to reduce visual dominance. Commissioners also confirmed ADA access points and ramps remain part of the site circulation plan.
A member moved to approve DRB 26‑07 including architectural and landscape modifications; the board voted unanimously in favor and authorized the chair to sign the appropriate orders.
What happens next
The project proceeds under the revised plans as approved; the chair will sign the necessary orders and the planning file will be updated to reflect the approved modifications. Any future changes that affect site layout, foundations or utilities will require further board review.
