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Local Impact

Waiver Request for Buffer Requirements at Melody Preserve

Original title: Melody Preserve - Standalone Waiver Request to Buffers Parcel #: 35300-000-15 # WaiverSTA-000807-2026 Kimley-Horn and Associates LDC 6.8.6.K(5) Buffers CODE states E-Type buffer shall consist of a five-foot wide landscape strip without a buffer wall. The buffer shall contain at least four shade trees for every 100 lineal feet or fractional part thereof. Shrubs shall be planted in a double-staggered row and be capable of reaching a maintained height of six feet within three years. Groundcovers and/or turfgrass shall not be used in this buffer. APPLICANT - We are requesting a waiver to allow for the Type 'E' buffer along the north property boundary to utilize a fence in lieu of vegetation. The buffer will remain 20' width. The existing vegetation along the north property boundary within the adjacent Liberty Village residential subdivision is mature and will not allow for the buffer to adequately grow as intended. Additionally, we request the fence to continue within the Type 'A' buffer on the property line. The adjacent storage facility currently utilizes a fence on their property boundary so the landscaping will not be a benefit to that parcel.

June 8, 2026

zoning land use development buffers

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The Frame

What this does

This request, if approved, would change the visual and physical barrier requirements for the Melody Preserve property (Parcel 35300-000-15), replacing mandated tree and shrub plantings with a fence.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Melody Preserve Developer

The developer is seeking a change to the landscaping requirements for their property.

Liberty Village Residents

Residents of the adjacent subdivision may see a fence installed along their property boundary instead of the mandated landscape buffer.

What changed

Last recorded activity June 8, 2026.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

The developer of Melody Preserve is requesting permission to install a fence instead of the required landscape buffer along the north property boundary. They argue that existing mature vegetation in the neighboring subdivision and the presence of a fence at an adjacent storage facility make the standard landscaping requirements impractical.

Key Facts

The applicant requests a waiver to use a fence instead of required vegetation for a Type 'E' buffer along the north property boundary.
The applicant requests to extend the fence into the Type 'A' buffer area on the property line.
The proposed buffer width will remain at 20 feet.
Current code (LDC 6.8.6.K(5)) requires a five-foot wide landscape strip for Type 'E' buffers.
Current code requires four shade trees per 100 lineal feet.
Current code requires a double-staggered row of shrubs capable of reaching six feet in height within three years.
Current code prohibits groundcovers or turfgrass in Type 'E' buffers.
The applicant cites mature vegetation in the adjacent Liberty Village as a reason for the waiver.
The applicant cites an existing fence at an adjacent storage facility as a reason for the waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Type 'E' buffer?

Under local code, it is a five-foot wide landscape strip that must include specific shade trees and shrubs, but no groundcover or turfgrass.

Why does the developer want a fence instead of trees?

The developer claims that existing mature trees in the neighboring subdivision would prevent new buffer plantings from growing properly, and that an adjacent storage facility already uses a fence.

Why It Matters

This request, if approved, would change the visual and physical barrier requirements for the Melody Preserve property (Parcel 35300-000-15), replacing mandated tree and shrub plantings with a fence.

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