DNV plans to dismantle retaining wall at Lynn Valley home

District of North Vancouver staff is recommending that council approve dismantling of a retaining wall that was built without permits at a Lynn Valley property.

On Nov 21, DNV council will discuss a staff report about a property in an unsafe condition with respect to the retaining wall that runs along the south and east sides of the property in Lynn Valley. A council approval would require the owner to dismantle the retaining wall and then apply for a building permit to build a new retaining wall.

In November 2020, the District became aware of construction occurring at the Lynn Valley property. After a site investigation by a District Building Inspector, it was determined that new retaining walls were being constructed, structural repair of a deck was underway and an interior renovation for a new secondary suite was nearing completion.

However, all of this was being done without required permits or inspections. As a result, a Stop Work Order notice was posted on the Property.  The Building Inspector advised the owners to discontinue any further construction until the required permits had been applied for and issued, which the property owners did.

However, the proposed plans for the retaining walls did not comply with the District’s Zoning Bylaw. The building permit for the secondary suite and deck was held in abeyance pending resolution of the retaining wall issue.

The owner then applied for a variance permit and even though some revisions were made through the DVP process to reduce the proposed height, the ‘as-built’ retaining walls remained non-compliant with the Zoning Bylaw requirements. To address the safety concern, the Geotechnical Engineer has now advised that the loading on the steep slope must be reduced by partially dismantling the retaining wall.