24 06 13 Review 2

ASSOCIATES Chairman and Members of the West Orange Township Zoning Board June 13, 2024 Re: Jose De Oliveira (ZB-23-11) Our File No. VWRZ0055.01 Bulk Variance - Review #2 Page 3 4. It shows on sheet C01 that the lower retaining wall encroaches onto adjoining lot 2.01, 10. 11. 12. block 55.06. The applicant has submitted a copy of an executed Retaining Wall Easement which permits the existing encroachment to remain. The Applicant should address the Board regarding their plans to record this easement in the Essex County Clerk's office. Section 25-8.4 of the Township Code stipulates that solid walls not higher than 6 ft are permitted in the rear yard and on the side property line up to the rear line of the Applicant's house. We note that the maximum height of the northeast retaining wall will be 11’-0”. It shows on sheet C-01 that an upper retaining wall and a lower retaining wall are proposed along the common property line with adjoining lot 2.01. The upper wall will be setback approximately 4 ft from the lower wall. The lower wall will vary in height from 4’-7” to 6’- 3” while the upper wall will vary in height from 0’ to 6’-9”. It shows on the Northeast Wall Elevation on sheet C-01 that the northeast retaining wall will have a maximum height of approximately 11’. We note that the Property Survey shows that the existing wall had a maximum height of 9’-6". The Applicant should address the Board to clarify why the new wall is higher than the existing wall. Construction Note #1 on sheet C-02 lists the soil parameters that were used in the design of the retaining walls. The Applicant should address the Board to clarify if a geotechnical investigation has been performed to verify the soil parameters shown on the plan. Construction Note #5 states that weep holes have been provided for drainage. The Applicant must demonstrate to the Board that the drainage discharge will not negatively impact the adjoining properties. Construction Note #10 states that a qualified engineer or technician shall supervise the wall construction to verify field and site soil conditions. The Applicant should address the Board regarding their plans to comply with this recommendation. Construction Note #12 states that the site grading re-routes surface water around and away from the wall. Therefore, it remains for the plans to be revised to show the proposed grading at the

dation. Construction Note #12 states that the site grading re-routes surface water around and away from the wall. Therefore, it remains for the plans to be revised to show the proposed grading at the site. The Northeast Wall Elevation on sheet C-01 shows that a wood batten fence is proposed along the top of the wall. The Applicant should address the Board to confirm that a safety fence will also be installed along both the lower level and the upper level of the southwest retaining wall. The Applicant is hereby advised that any revised plans or other documents submitted to the Board should be accompanied by a cover letter which addresses each of the comments in this review letter and also details any other changes that have been made to the plans as these may not be readily apparent. S:\West OrangelZoning Boarc\VWRZ0055.01 - Jose De Oliveira\24-06-13 Review #2.docx