Too-tall retaining wall coming before Penticton city council

PENTICTON – An attempt to carve a building lot out of a steeply sloping property on Penticton’s east side has resulted in a resident coming before council to seek a variance for a 8.5 metre high retaining wall.

The permit is being sought for 2753 Evergreen Dr. following construction of a concrete block retaining wall along the south side of the property.

The wall was designed and built by a qualified contractor but was completed without a city permit or the city being aware the wall was under construction. Retaining walls higher than 1.2 m require building permits, but the city has recently supported increases in retaining wall heights in other subdivisions of the city.

The property owner has submitted a proposal to the city to lower the height of the retaining wall to 4.5 m at the property line, step it back 1.2 m and then continue the height of the wall, as opposed to leaving it in its present vertical state.

A staff report to council notes the present wall, which is approximately 8.5 m high at its maximum point, has a negative visual impact. Stepping the wall back at the 4.5 m level would make it more attractive.

Staff also note as the neighbourhood develops, neighbouring properties below the wall will be raised to create building lots, eventually contributing to reducing the height of the wall.

Council will be asked to approve a variance for the property that would increase the maximum height of a retaining wall within a required yard from 1.2 m to 4.5 m. at the regular council meeting, Tuesday, June 5.

Alternatively, council could deny the variance request which would result in the wall taken down and rebuilt according to the bylaw, which would see it stepped back 1.2 m. every 4.5 m in height.

A second alternate recommendation to increase the maximum height of a retaining wall to 8.5 m with the condition the adjacent property developer will be able to fill against the wall is also being proposed.

Staff note denying the variance outright would result in considerable cost to the property owner, who would have to lower the wall to 2.5 m, then rebuild it with 1.2 m step backs to its ultimate height.

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