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Committee examines 10–15 ft retaining wall and landscaping strategy for Cathedral City development
Summary
Staff and the developer discussed a proposed retaining wall (about 400 ft long with 10–15 ft height plus a 6‑ft block wall on top), wall materials and planting plans; staff said the final landscape will be reviewed by the Desert Water Agency.
Committee members asked for clarification about a large retaining wall separating the residential site from adjacent commercial property to the north after staff presented elevations and materials.
"The total wall height would range between 10 and 15 feet with about 400 feet in length of retaining wall that would have a 6 foot block wall on top of it," Cynthia Schultz said, describing proposed split-face block in tan, gray and brown and a gradient blend. She noted the wall is required because the project site is at a higher elevation than the commercial development to the north.
Applicant Mario Gonzalez described the grading challenge and said the wall treatment is intended to "blend with the sun" as the slope traverses upward. Staff and the applicant acknowledged the existing commercial landscaping near the Cathedral Cove Center is not yet mature; Schultz said the final landscape plan will be subject to review by the Desert Water Agency to ensure water-efficiency requirements are met.
The committee discussed how multi‑color block and planting could soften the wall’s visual impact; no changes were required at the committee level and the architecture/landscape recommendation will proceed to the Planning Commission for further review.
