CC - Alternative Compliance Landscape Buffer Alternative Compliance for sidewalk and 20' landscape buffer for McCrea Meadows short plat.
We would like to request alternate compliance on the landscape buffer and sidewalk requirements for
my downtown lot split application. It is my understanding that this requirement is for the type of
landscape buffer most commonly seen on large subdivisions, and this would be incongruent with the
style of property seen throughout downtown Meridian.
The reason for this request is twofold. First, it would be out of place in downtown Meridian and take
away from the aesthetic value of this downtown neighborhood that is predominantly single family
residences with mature landscaping. Secondly, because of the power lines,flood irrigation system and
large maple tree on the edges of the lots, neither additional trees in a buffer nor a sidewalk are possible
without significant hardship (see arborist letter attached).
A possible alternate compliance option would be for us to maintain the first 20 feet of the property next
to E 3rd St. as greenspace/yard.
Below I will address the issues required to grant alternative compliance via a variance:
1. The variance shall not grant a right or special privilege that is not otherwise allowed in the district.
On E. 3rd street and the surrounding neighborhood streets I could find no example of a residence with a
20' landscape barrier. It would be out of place in an otherwise quaint downtown residential street.
Since this short plat functions as a lot split, it is consistent with the surrounding homes to not have a
landscape barrier.There is also no other sidewalk on the East side of 3rd street on this block.
2.The variance relieves an undue hardship because of the characteristics of the site.
The most important consideration of this variance is the preservation of the large maple tree off of 3rd
street. Leaving a 20'greenspace before any building is in line with our plan for a single family residence
on the south lot. However, we agree with the city arborist that any construction within a large radius of
the maple would cause damage to the tree. Further,the flood irrigation which runs through pipes on
this property line on the East side of 3rd St.would be disrupted. We are investing in maintaining our
flood irrigation system which has,for decades, provided water to this area of downtown without the
expense of electricity and pumps which are required for pressurized irrigation.Therefore, a landscape
buffer and sidewalk as described in the city code for a neighborhood would cause a hardship including
the reduced life and potential need to remove this large tree, and disturbance of flood irrigation.
3.The variance shall not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare.
This variance will allow the lot to retain continuity with surrounding properties which are not a threat to
public health, safety and welfare.
Sincerely,
Rusty McCrea
Landowner
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Street view looking South and slightly east off of 3 d street showing edge of the south lot and the
adjacent property off of 3 rd street. This shows a number of large trees in what would be the area for the
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