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Neighbors say 25‑foot slope behind homes will harm views and values; city says legal options limited
Summary
Homeowners told city staff they face a steep newly created slope behind backyards that they say will significantly reduce views and property values; staff said the project complied with the approved PD and that options are limited unless design or code changes are adopted.
Dozens of residents expressed frustration that mass grading and fill behind their properties created a steep slope they described as a 25‑foot 'mountain' that will loom over backyards and reduce the neighborhood’s character and home values. Several speakers asked who was looking out for them during planning and approvals and whether the city could require the developer to remove lots or change the grading.
"Who in the heck was looking out for us when all these decisions were made?" one resident asked. Another described walking the slope and said neighbors are left to watch a large pile of dirt rising behind their homes; the tone of multiple speakers was that approvals had permitted an outcome they did not expect.
Staff repeatedly answered that the city’s ability to deny built work is constrained when it meets the GDC, the PD and TSM; Crystal Owens said the contractor had moved ahead in at least one area but that the city will require engineered retaining‑wall plans and building inspections where applicable. Councilor Moore pledged to review the record, follow up with staff and hold another community session.
