L36 B1 BMBC Landscape ModTown of Avon
Final D Staff R®rtep
February 6, 1996 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
Report date February 2, 1996
Project type Modification for retaining wall and landscape planter
Legal description Lot 36, Block 1, Benchmark at Beaver Creek
Subdivision
Zoning IC
Introduction
This application is for a modification for a retaining wall with a landscape planter at Rich's Auto
Body on Metcalf Road. The proposed wall would be five feet from the northern property line.
The applicant has already done some grading to the slope to create more room for the parking
spaces. The proposal is to build a three foot tall timber wall in front of the cinderblock wall on
the property line and cut back the existing dirt bank. A landscape planter would be created
between the two walls.
Design Review Considerations
According to the Commission's Procedures, Rules & Regulations, Section 6. 10, the Commission
shall consider the following items in reviewing the design of this project:
1. Conformance with the Zoning Code and other applicable regulations of the Town.
The three foot timber wall falls is not considered a structure because it is less than four feet
tall. Therefore, it is permissible to locate it within the sideyard setback.
2. The suitability of the improvement, including type and quality of materials of which it is to be
constructed and the site upon which it is to be located.
The timber wall will need to be treated with a stain and this stain color needs to be noted on
the site plans. The site plan needs to clearly note that railroad ties cannot be used. Although
timber walls are not a high quality wall finish, the wall is only three feet tall. The view of the
wall will usually be blocked by cars parked in front of the wall. The existing wall needs to be
treated with a material or painted since it will be exposed when the dirt bank is removed.
3. The compatibility of the design to minimize site impacts to adjacent properties.
An engineering firm has designed the wall to ensure that it can retain the slope behind it. The
4. The compatibility of the proposed improvements with site topography.
The planter between the retaining wall meets the 2:1 maximum slope permitted. The planter
will provide an attractive alternative to retaining the bank between the two properties.
5. The visual appearance of any proposed improvement as viewed from adjacent and neighboring
properties and public ways.
Town of Avon Community Development c:kcomdev\p&z\020695\36b1.doc
(970) 949-4280 Fax (970) 949-9139
Lot 36, Block 1, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision, page 2
February 6, 1996 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
The landscape planter will enhance the appearance of the property. However, it would
enhance the appearance of the planter to provide additional shrubs of another variety. The
timber wall will not be readily visible from the road. The rear retaining wall needs to have a
finish applied because it will be visible from Metcalf Road.
6. The objective that no improvement be so similar or dissimilar to others in the vicinity that values,
monetary or aesthetic will be impaired.
Not applicable
7. The general conformance of the proposed improvements with the adopted Goals, Policies and
Programs for the Town of Avon.
The retaining wall is in conformance with the steep slope guidelines which call for landscape
planters between retaining walls.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval with two conditions;
1. That the rear retaining wall be finished with stucco to match or be compatible with the
existing Rich's Auto Body Building.
2. Five additional shrubs be added between the two groups of Mist Spirea in front of the fence.
The shrubs should be a different variety, and preferably be evergreen
3. The permission be obtained from the owner of lot 37, Block 1, to the north to apply stucco to
the retaining wall.
If you have any questions regarding this project or any planning matter, please call me at 949-
4280 (extension 131), or stop by the Community Development Department.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Griffith, AICP
Town Planner
Town of Avon Community Development c:\comdev\p&z\020695\36b1.doc
(970) 949-4280 Fax (970) 949-9139
Lot 36, Block 1, Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision, page 3
February 6, 1996 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting
Planning & Zoning Commission Action
,0' Approved as submitted
❑ Denied
❑ Approved with conditions (noted below)
❑ Tabled
❑ Withdrawn by applicant
Conditions of approval, reasons for tabling or withdrawal of application, or basis for denial (refer
to code or guidelines by number): ( The retai ni ng wal 1 )
1. The approval is not for a change in the retaining wall. That would have
to be brought back to the Commission if such a change was requested.
Si
Date L (0
Date
Sue Railton,
Town of Avon Community Development
(970)949-4280 Fax(970)949-9139
c:\comdev\p&z\020695\36b 1.doc