Summary
A $250,000 retaining wall at 16 Suzanne Drive was permitted at 12 feet tall but town rules say walls over six feet can't be within 25 feet of a side setback. The owners argue the town issued the permit and never flagged height-measurement or terracing rules until construction was underway. The appeal will be decided March 17.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
The wall has cost the owners about $225,000 of a $250,000 contract so far, with the rest on hold pending the outcome.
If the appeal succeeds, the Millers and Browns keep their wall; if not, they may face removal or modification costs.
Neighbors who raised the original complaint may bear the wall's visual or drainage impacts either way.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Zoning Board - Apr 21, 2026
The Millers and Browns asked the Board to reopen its March decision backing the Town's revocation of their retaining wall building permit and its method of measuring wall height from the bottom of the footing. The Board found no new evidence and no errors, and denied the rehearing — meaning the March decision stands and the applicants' remaining options lie in the courts.
Zoning Board - Mar 17, 2026
A nearly 12-foot terraced concrete wall sits within the building setback and close to the property line, and the town revoked its permit months after issuing it. The fight turned on whether height is measured from the buried footing or the exposed face — a question the town has now resolved through a zoning interpretation and a recent ordinance amendment. Neighbors say the wall blocks sightlines, creates safety hazards, and hurts property values.
Zoning Board - Feb 17, 2026
A $250,000 retaining wall at 16 Suzanne Drive was permitted at 12 feet tall but town rules say walls over six feet can't be within 25 feet of a side setback. The owners argue the town issued the permit and never flagged height-measurement or terracing rules until construction was underway. The appeal will be decided March 17.
Related development
Appeal of administrative decision — retaining walls, 16 Suzanne Drive
The finished wall stands about $225,000 into a $250,000 contract; the board's decision will determine whether it stays as built or must change.
Miller/Brown rehearing — retaining wall permit revocation and height interpretation
The denial leaves the March decision in place; the applicants' remaining claims, including damages and constitutional arguments, were found to be outside the Board's jurisdiction.
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