Applicant and architect say geotech and design support building on steep lot

The applicant emphasized that safety has been the central concern in the project’s multi-year design process and that licensed professionals have reviewed and stamped the plans.

Mr. Rapley told the board he had worked with CMT Engineering and Element Design Group and that the team produced geotechnical work intended to limit disturbance to the natural hillside. "We've got engineering teams and architectural teams that have done geotech reports and all the engineering required for this particular lot to be able to build something safely and securely on the piece of property," he said.

Architect John Galbraith provided footprint numbers during the hearing, stating his total footprint (including garage and porches) was approximately 1,932 square feet and describing discrepancies between the architectural and civil sets that staff used to set conditions. The board responded by adopting a modified footprint limit as part of the approval.