Discussion:
Background
City Code 90.16, Encroachment in Easement Areas, indicates that "no trees, shrubs, bushes, retaining walls, structures, hard surface areas, or other obstructions, with the exception of shallow root plantings and garden fences, shall be placed within an easement area held by the city, except if written permission has been granted by the city". Upon review of proposed encroachment and determination that there are no expected detrimental effects, it has been the city's practice to allow the continuance of the such encroachments; however, an encroachment agreement has been the instrument to provide the proper documentation by officially recording the encroachment with the county as part of the property file.
Encroachment
The encroachment at the Moraine Addition development consists of a private retaining wall. The improvement will be constructed by the developer and will encroach on the drainage and utility easement in the rear yard of Lots 1 through 5 of the development. The properties exists as single family residential lots that were platted in 2023 and are owned by Scott County. The encroachment is necessary for purposes of storm water drainage due to grade change from the adjacent county road south of the development. The agreement is necessary to document the encroachment should the city require the temporary or permanent removal of the private retaining wall, understanding that the removal and replacement costs would be borne by the property owner(s).