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Request by Joel Kraft for a retaining wall encroachment at 2168 N. 63rd Street
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Submitted by:
Jennifer Stilling, Senior Civil Engineer
Department
Public Works (Engineering Services)
A. Issue
The applicant has requested to encroach with the City right-of-way with a decorative retaining wall at 2168 N. 63rd Street.
B. Background/Options
The applicant would like to install a retaining wall system with landscaping beds to replace the steep hill that is located between the public right-of-way and the existing sidewalk. The public right of way is located about 2 feet from the back of sidewalk. The proposed location of the retaining wall is directly behind the existing sidewalk and will be approximately 2 to 2.5 feet high. Landscaping plantings and a second retaining wall tier will be located on private property. The retaining wall system is proposed on either side of the existing concrete stairway to the front door of the residence and will tie into the existing retaining wall on the north side of the driveway.
A plan of the proposed retaining wall system is shown on the attached. A street view of the existing street frontage has also been provided, along with an example of what the retaining wall system will look like.
According to City records, there are no existing public utilities within the proposed encroachment area. The curb stop for this property is located in the terrace area between the sidewalk and the curb and should not be impacted by this work.
The proposed retaining wall installation next to the public sidewalk will make sidewalk replacement work challenging in the future. The property is within the proposed 2028 City Sidewalk program area. The sidewalk adjacent to the proposed retaining wall must be evaluated by Staff for tripping hazards. If any sidewalk section meets Engineering criteria for a tripping hazard, that sidewalk section must be replaced by the property owner prior to retaining wall installation.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area One: Economic Development and Financial Resilience
D. Fiscal Impact
No impact to the City of Wauwatosa. All costs for proposed work will be at the owner’s expense.
E. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval subject to the following:
• Staff evaluation of the public sidewalk adjacent to the proposed retaining wall encroachment. If any sidewalk section meets Engineering tripping hazard criteria, the sidewalk replacement must be included in the Street Occupancy - Paving permit and replaced prior to retaining wall installation.
• Execution of a hold harmless agreement.
recommendation
Recommendation: Common Council