Planning project · Planning application
Backyard remodel and retaining wall proposed on hillside lot
A homeowner wants to remodel a backyard and build a retaining wall on a 0.27-acre residential lot. The city says it needs a hillside review because of surrounding slopes, and may require a geotechnical report and engineering plans.
From the filing
The application's description as it appears in City of Boise's record. See the official record
Hillside
Project name on file: 2971 STARVIEW DR
Timeline
March 13, 2026
Planning Applications: Generate Additional Application
March 13, 2026
Pending Application Submittal: Planning Applications in Review
Feb. 24, 2026
Concept Review Complete: CR Complete - Type 2
Feb. 23, 2026
Planning Applications: Additional CR Needed
Feb. 23, 2026
Concept Review Complete: Engineering Preview
Feb. 23, 2026
Concept Review Complete: Engineering Preview Complete
Due to the proposed work being in the HS-O District and with geotechnical unknowns on and around the parcel; either concept would fall under my original determination. Additionally, I have included the document (PDS-Agency Comments - HILLSIDE RETAINING WALL PERMITTING_OCTOBER2025) that we use for assessing retaining walls.
Feb. 20, 2026
Pending Application Submittal: Planning Applications in Review
Aug. 5, 2025
Concept Review Complete: Engineering Preview
Aug. 5, 2025
Concept Review Complete: Engineering Preview Complete
A determination has been made that this project will be a Category II Hillside project due to the nature of surrounding slopes. In addition to the already submitted documents, additional documents may be required during the CFH Review process.Additional documents that you can expect to provide will be a geotechnical report and possibly with a global slope stability analysis; structural calculations for any retaining wall that is greater than four feet of height, more than one retaining wall when the horizontal interior distance between the retaining walls is less than 10 feet and the total of all retaining walls exceeds four feet in height, a retaining wall having a surcharge, or having a backslope greater than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical; and civil plans.NOTE: The hazards of developing and building on property, especially in the Boise foothills, is well known. It is the responsibility of the applicant/owner’s design, geological, and engineering professionals, not the City, to identify, address, and mitigate any hazards to the site. Satisfying these Conditions of Approval is for limited [City purpose] only and should not be relied on for design, geological or engineering purposes.If you would like to discuss this determination, please contact us at HillsideDrainage@cityofboise.org or we can set up a meeting if you prefer.
Aug. 5, 2025
Concept Review Complete: CR Complete - Type 2
Aug. 4, 2025
Application Submittal: Online
Aug. 4, 2025
Application filed
Documents
Plans
- Download Structure plan and details sheets (preliminary, not for construction)
Preliminary structural drawings for a residential deck, pergola, and retaining wall, including post and beam layout, footing details, and a details sheet, dated June 2025.
Feb. 23, 2026 · 3 pages · 17.9 MB · PDS-Other Small Docs
- Download Demolition sheet L-1 for backyard remodel
Demolition plan for the backyard remodel, listing removal of the railroad tie wall, cherry tree, decking, wood fencing and concrete decking, with notes on new hardscape and planting.
Aug. 4, 2025 · 4 pages · 4.8 MB · PDS-Other Small Docs
Project narrative
- Download Concept review summary
Advisory concept review notes identifying a Category II Hillside Review and expected geotechnical, retaining wall, and civil plan documents for a backyard remodel and retaining wall.
Feb. 24, 2026 · 2 pages · 464 KB · PDS-Concept Review Summary Report
Application
- Download Planning project application form
Application for remodeling a backyard and constructing a retaining wall in an R-1C zone, with a Hillside Questionnaire requirement noted.
Aug. 4, 2025 · 2 pages · 154 KB · PDS-Application
Correspondence
- Download Hillside retaining wall permitting guidance
Public Works guidance on when retaining walls in the hillside zone need a determination, slope stability analysis, and planning-code height and setback limits.
Feb. 23, 2026 · 5 pages · 804 KB · PDS-Agency Comments
Other documents
- Download Hillside project questionnaire
Public Works questionnaire answering whether the project involves new grading over 12 inches, an exterior addition, a driveway, and retaining walls over 4 feet.
Aug. 5, 2025 · 1 page · 698 KB · PDS-Other Small Docs
