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Sabattus planning board approves homeowner's retaining‑wall replacement, requires drainage details
Summary
The Planning Board approved a homeowner's permit to replace failing retaining walls along Riley Road and Nancy Lane, but required the applicant to provide drainage details to Code Enforcement before a building permit is issued.
The Town of Sabattus Planning Board voted to approve a homeowner's plan to replace a failing retaining wall, subject to a condition that the applicant submit specific drainage information to Code Enforcement. The board approved the application by voice vote after members expressed concern about runoff and winter icing on adjacent roads.
The applicant told the board the existing small modular blocks are failing and that she plans to replace them in place with larger units. "The new blocks are going to be 2 foot by 2 foot by 4 foot and weigh 1,300 pounds each," the resident said, explaining the heavier blocks will better resist freeze‑thaw damage and reduce collapse risk. Board members asked for a short, written description or drawing showing how crushed stone and any outlet would handle seepage behind the wall.
Staff and members also discussed whether any portion of the wall sits in the town right‑of‑way and whether the project will require both shoreland zoning approval and a building permit. The board agreed approval could be handled administratively by the code enforcement officer (Jenny) provided the drainage information is supplied; if Code Enforcement determines the board needs to see more, the item may return to the planning board.
Next steps: the applicant must deliver the drainage statement and any available detail drawings to Code Enforcement; the board recorded the motion to approve with that condition and the chair called the vote in favor.
