Homewood panel votes 5-0 to forward permit request for retaining wall at 602 Warwick Road

A Homewood City panel voted 5-0 to forward a request to install a dry-stack retaining wall in the public right of way at 602 Warwick Road to the full city council.

The applicant, identified in the meeting as Mr. Smith, told the panel, “I’m looking to install a small dry stack retaining wall,” and said the existing slope has suffered erosion. He said the project would connect to an older, existing retaining wall on the property and that neighboring properties already have similar walls in the right of way.

Panel members reviewed a site drawing and a property survey during the discussion. A panel member noted that the proposed wall is “technically in the right of way,” and staff advised the applicant to work in the right of way only with the proper identification and agreements in place. The applicant said excavation had begun but was stopped once the right-of-way location was discovered.

Motion language recorded in the meeting designated the item as agenda item 13O925, “request permission to install a retaining wall in the right of way at 602 Warwick Road.” The panel’s motion to approve forwarding the request to the full council was made by Councilor Hardin and seconded by Councilor Nehls; the panel voted 5-0 in favor. The presiding official said the item will go to full council next week and, in the official’s words, “I don’t foresee any issues.”

The panel also voted 5-0 earlier in the meeting to dispense with the reading and approval of minutes.

Next steps: the request will appear on the full Homewood City Council agenda. The full council will consider the permit with public speaking allowed, per the presiding official’s remarks at the panel meeting.