Council approves two hillside cut-and-fill waivers for new homes

Fountain Hills — The Town Council on Feb. 3 approved two cut-and-fill waivers for new residential construction in hillside neighborhoods after staff recommended the variances and applicants answered design questions.

The first waiver, for 16320 North Barago Trail in the Eagle’s Nest area, involves fill up to about 14 feet at the most significant front-corner location and minor cut behind a pool area; staff said landscape mitigation and building placement were designed to minimize off-site visual impacts. The applicant’s architect described additional retaining walls used to reduce exposure.

The second waiver, at 15050 Diamondback Court, is on a ridgeline lot and includes an excess‑fill area estimated near 15 feet at the rear due to a ravine. Staff said the closest neighbor has limited sight lines toward the fill area and that the home had been sited to minimize visibility; staff recommended approval and noted mitigation measures. Both waivers passed on roll-call votes recorded in the meeting packet as unanimous (7–0).

Council discussion focused on site specifics, visibility to neighbors, and design choices (step-down designs, retaining walls) that reduce impacts. Applicants and their architects were present and took limited questions.