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Design Review Board asks homeowner to rework green-fence proposal, tree replacements after neighbor concerns
Summary
The DRB deferred action on a revised landscaping and ‘green fence’ proposal for 11229 Leatherwood Drive, asking the homeowner to resubmit a reduced and more varied planting plan and to set proposed trees back from a nearby transformer and neighbor property lines; the board directed a 45‑day resubmission timeline.
The DRB on Jan. 21 deferred consideration of a revised planting and ‘green fence’ proposal for 11229 Leatherwood Drive and asked the homeowner to rework the plan to reduce monoculture plantings and to address neighbors’ concerns about property-line setbacks and possible damage to an existing oak tree.
Homeowner Sean (applicant) told the board he adjusted earlier plans to use an evergreen “green fence” following staff recommendations and to match adjacent plantings where possible; he said some items (driveway, patio) had been dropped from the current submission because of interior renovation expenses. Staff confirmed the outstanding active violation pertains to tree removals and that the applicant proposes eight replacement trees and multiple evergreen plantings in a perimeter hedge.
Neighbors spoke in opposition or concern. Kathy Kaplan told the board that previous understory and native shrubs on the property had been removed and asked the DRB to require restoration to a naturalized condition; she said a large oak that sits on the property line had sustained damage after stump grinding and that additional plantings too close to the transformer and the property line would threaten that oak. Patricia (affected neighbor) echoed concerns about setbacks and asked that new plantings not encroach on her property. DRB members acknowledged the homeowner has improved the house exterior but agreed the planting palette and spacing should be adjusted to protect neighbors’ trees and avoid an extensive monoculture.
Board landscape members recommended replacing the proposed run of 30+ emerald arborvitae with a mix of evergreens and native understory species (holly, rhododendron, serviceberry or Cornelian cherry) and using staggered groups rather than a continuous single-species hedge. The applicant agreed to scale back the arborvitae, increase spacing (from 4 feet toward 8 feet where appropriate), and resubmit. The board voted to defer and requested the applicant refile materials within 45 days; Emily said she would provide written planting suggestions to staff to share with the homeowner.
