Board approves staff recommendation to require landscaping instead of 14-inch retaining wall on Donaldson Avenue

The Compliance and Technical Advisory Board approved staff recommendations regarding CTAP case 2026-109435 for a Donaldson Avenue property, endorsing landscaping as the preferred solution rather than the applicant’s proposed front-yard retaining wall of approximately 14 inches. Staff told commissioners the applicant had been nonresponsive to outreach but that the application was complete and therefore required consideration.

“The applicant has been nonresponsive, so the applicant's not here today. The commission may still hear the request since it is a complete application,” a staff member said during the presentation. Staff recommended denial based on findings A and B and suggested using landscaping to mitigate any on-site dirt retention issues rather than approving a low retaining wall.

Commissioners moved to accept staff recommendations; a roll call vote approved the motion and the board carried the action. No applicant representative was present at the hearing, and staff will proceed with the board’s guidance regarding required mitigation.