HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandscape Buffer-Modification
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June 12,2008
JAMES BRAINARD, MA"YOR
Ms Louise Valiquett, President
SheLbourne Estates PDA, Inc.
PO Box 3472
Carmel, IN 46032
Re: Request to ModifY s Landscape Buffer Plan for SbeLbourne Estates
Dear Ms. Valilquett:
This Letter is written to inform you of a determination made by the Director of Community Services,
pertaining to the above request to waive the landscape buffer for Shelbourne Estates.
I have reviewed the issues and details involved in this issue, many which are referenced in your Letter
of ApriL 25, 2008, and which fall within the summary below.
. A request has been made by the Shelbourne Estates Property Owners Association Inc. (PDA) to
modifY the buffer planting requirement for SheLbourne Estates to include the landscaped common
areas only, located along 131 st Street, and, specifically, Blocks C, D, and E of dedicated common
area, pursuant to the approved Secondary Plat for Shelboume Estates, Docket No. 152-02 SP.
D The landscape buffer design was approved for SheLboume Estates, per Docket No. 152-02 SP.
Previously, Shelborne Estates was part of the Primary Plat for Claybourne, Docket No. 119-0 I PP,
approved 12 December 2001.
o The'Landscape Buffer as approved was designed per the Bufferyard requirements, pursuant to the
Carmel Zoning Ordinance, however, the majority of buffer plantings occur on. individuaL lots,
within a landscape easement. and not within a common area, making it difficult and somewhat
untenabLe to enforce strictly.
.. The buffer modification, if authorized, would reduce the planting requirement for the rear yards of
homesites which abut the perimeter of the project.
Co There exists today a substantial tree line along the east project boundary and for approximateLy
350 feet along the south project boundary. These trees could substitute for new plantings.
Co The vast majority of lots within the subdivision now have homes on them, except for lots 19, 20
and 21, along the south project boundary.
II> In lieu of the total pLanting of306 perimeter trees, the PDA is proposing to have installed, at the
deveLoper's expense, an irrigation system within the common areas, to ensure the landscape area
has a quality appearance, and that the 190 trees already planted are properly maintained.
DEPARTMENT Of COMMUNITY SEINICES
ONE CIVIC SQUARE, CA1HvIEL; IN 46032 PaONE 317571.2417, FAX 317.571.2426
Ivl1CfiAEL P, HOLLIBAUGH, DIHEcTOR
J .r
Ms Louise Valiquett, President
Re: Request to Modify the Shelbourne Estates Landscape Buffer Plan
Page 2
o The residents of Shelbourne Estates have agreed they prefer to not have the buffer plantings
imposed on them by the City.
In consideration of the details above, it is hereby determined that the proposal by the POA to modify
the landscape buffer is reasonable, and shall be recognized to be in substantial compliance with the
overall landscape plan for docket no. 152-02 SP, and subject to the following conditions.
1. The developer shall have installed and pay for an irrigation system within the common areas,
specifically Block "e" and Block "D" as shown on the Secondary Plat. The irrigation system and
installation thereof shall occur in a manner agreeable to the POA.
2. The developer shall have installed, or require to be installed, the bufferplantings for lots 19, 20,
and 21, which abut the southern project boundary. These lots do not benefit from buffering
provided by existing trees, and either are undeveloped or currently under construction.
[mplementation of the approved buffer in this area will not impose a substantial hardship by the
developer.
3. The developer, in conjunction with the POA, shall assess the condition of existing landscaping, and
shall replace all plants which are dead or dying, in compliance with the overall landscape pLan for
docket no. 152-02 SP.
This Director's determination may be appealed to the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals by you or any
other interested party pursuant to Chapter 30.0 ofthe Carmel Zoning Ordinance. Such appeals must
occur within thirty (30) days of issuance of this letter, or the determination is final.
If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this matter further, pLease do not hesitate to contact me at
571-2422.
Michael Hollib
Director, Dep
of Community Services
Copy: Carmel Plan Commission
File, docket no. ] 52-02 SP