The Community Development District 1 board will offer to pay for removing landscaping that violates deed restrictions, but was approved by mistake by the Architectural Review Committee.
The ARC approved the landscaping consisting of gravel area and a concrete border last fall as part of plans that included a circular driveway. But the gravel and border extend to the property line, which violates the required five-foot setback.
Neighbor Russell Bowser, who lives next door on San Juan Drive, told the board that the landscaping inhibits drainage and creates a tripping hazard for him.
“I’d like to have it removed,” he said.
District counsel Valerie Fuchs said the homeowner cannot be forced to remove the landscaping because it was approved along with the circular driveway. She said it is just the second mistake made by the ARC during the past seven years.
Candy Dennis of the Community Standards Department, said the landscaping is a few inches over the property lane and violates the buffer restriction.
CDD 1 supervisors agreed they should pay for removal of the landscaping.
“I hope you’ll accept our apologies for this happening,” Supervisor Craig Estep told Bowser. “This is our responsibility.”
Vice chairwoman Kathy Porter said, “this is a problem and we have to correct it,” while chairwoman Ellen Cora said she’s concerned about the lack of a swale for drainage between the two homes.
The board will ask for quotes on the cost, then contact the homeowner and offer to pay for removal.
