HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandscape Buffer-Modification 6-12-08
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CITY@F r~~ARMEL
June 12, 2008
JAMES BRAlNARD, .MAYOR
Ms Louise VaLiquett, President
Shelbourne Estates POA, Inc.
PO Box 3472
Carmel, IN 46032
Re: Request to Modify s Landscape Buffer Plan for Shelboume 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 Shelboume 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 Shelbourne Estates, Docket No. 152-02 SP.
4) The landscape buffer design was approved for Shelboume Estates, per Docket No.1 52-02 SP.
Previously, Shelbome Estates was part of the Primary Plat for Claybourne, Docket No. 119-01 pp.
approved 12 December 2001.
. The Landscape Buffer as approved was designed per the Bufferyardrequirements, pursuant to the
Cannel 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.
D The buffer modification, if authorized, would reduce the planting requirement for the rear yards of
homesites which abut the perimeter of the project.
. 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.
o The vast majority oflots within the subdivision now have homes on them, except for lots 19,20
and 21, aLong the south project boundary.
. In lieu of the totaL pLanting 0006 perimeter trees, the POA 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.
DEl'AHTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
ONE CIVIC SQUAIU" CARMEL, IN 46032 PHONE 317.571.2417, FAX 317.571.2426
MIOIAEL P. HOLlIBAUGH, DmECTon
,-
Ms Louise Valiquett, President
Re: Request to Modify the SheLboume Estates Landscape Buffer Plan
Page 2
. The residents of Shelboume 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 "c" 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 buffer plantings 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.
Implementation 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 of the 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.
Very truly yours,
of Community Services
Copy: Cannel Plan Commission
File, docket no. 152-02 SP