Neighbors press for action as Belvedere again extends wall deadline

An architectural rendering shows the proposed retaining wall reconstruction and landscaping plan at 105 Golden Gate Ave. as viewed from Belvedere Avenue. The plan includes 40 fern pines in 24-inch boxes along the retaining wall and four coast live oaks to replace trees removed by the previous owner. The Belvedere Planning Commission approved a one-year extension Feb. 2 for owner Tim Kasta to demolish an illegal retaining wall built in 2020 and construct the new wall shown here. (Sean Bailey Design)

Six years after a previous homeowner built an illegal retaining wall at 105 Golden Gate Ave., the Belvedere Planning Commission granted another extension to current owner Tim Kasta to fix it — this time with deadlines designed to force action.

The commission voted 4-0 Feb. 2 to extend design review approval for a residential project that includes demolishing and rebuilding the unpermitted wall built in 2020. Vice Chair Jenna Watson recused herself due to living within 500 feet of the property.

This marks the third extension for the project. Staff administratively granted a one-year extension in September 2024 without commission review. The commission approved another extension in September 2025 but continued the item to allow Kasta time to submit a detailed reconstruction plan for the retaining wall.

The extension moves the design review expiration to Feb. 2, 2027, but commissioners added two conditions intended to accelerate the work: Kasta must apply for a building permit by July 2 and plant four coast live oaks to replace trees the previous owner removed without approval.

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