Council approves change of conditions to remove failing retaining wall at 3560 Medlock Bridge Road

At the first public hearing the council considered CIC‑2026002, a second‑reading request to change conditions for property at 3560 Medlock Bridge Road in District 6.

Community Development staff explained the parcel (zoned RM‑10) includes a dilapidated timber retaining wall within a 25‑foot construction buffer; the applicant proposed removing the wall and installing a graded fill slope, permanent ground cover and landscaping to maintain residential character. Staff recommended approval with conditions, saying the proposal does not alter housing mix or development pattern and that the proposed landscape plan complies with the applicable condition.

Applicant and geotechnical contractor Mike Cabarazzi explained site conditions, including fine grained soils, buried storm structures, and a Gwinnett County sewer manhole that must be exposed and addressed. Cabarazzi said the proposal would not increase impervious area and described plans to collect roof drains and direct those flows into the property storm system after raising an internal storm lid. Council asked about buffer size and runoff; staff and the applicant clarified the buffer size is unchanged and that revegetation and grading are designed to maintain runoff at current levels. After closing public comment, council moved, seconded and approved the change of conditions.