Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board backs alternate compliance to allow taller CMU wall at Willow Brush to improve noise buffer
Summary
Design Review Board recommended approval of a modification allowing an additional CMU wall on top of the berm (nominally 6 feet added to a 5-foot berm) for the Willow Brush subdivision, accepting an alternate method of compliance to exceed the code’s 8-foot berm+fence limit because of substantial proposed landscaping screening.
The board recommended approval of DR-2023-321 Mod 2, a request to add a 6-foot concrete masonry (CMU) block wall on top of an existing berm to better mitigate traffic noise along Beacon Light and Park. Applicant representative Antonio described the change as a noise-buffer enhancement: "We're asking for additional 6 foot to put up to see a new block wall on top of the berm, for a total of 11 feet." He said the wall would be mixed light/dark gray CMU with a cap and post spacing at 12 feet on center.
Barb Williams, planning staff, told the board the proposed berm+wall combination exceeds the code maximum of 8 feet and must be considered as an alternate method of compliance by the board. Staff asked for clarity on a discrepancy between fencing exhibits and for plan detail showing how the wall relates to berm contours and adjacent landscaping. Board members said they did not expect the additional footage to be visually prominent given the density and variety of screening plantings; the board moved to recommend approval with site-specific conditions requiring a capped wall, sample CMU materials for staff review, and an alternate-method endorsement to allow the height increase. The motion passed by voice vote.
