DRC approves Eagles Landing seven‑lot subdivision landscaping and signage with condition to refine evergreen plantings

The Collierville Design Review Commission on Feb. 12 approved landscaping, common open space and signage for Eagles Landing (Case 250377), a proposed seven‑lot, street‑loaded single‑family subdivision on approximately 2.2 acres, subject to conditions including refinement of evergreen plantings around the detention basin and screening in front of the subdivision sign.

“The applicant, Roy Lameca with EFI Global, on behalf of property owner, Alele Anyaru, is requesting for approval of landscaping, common open space, and signage for a 7 lot single family subdivision on 2.2 acres,” a planning staff presenter said during the case presentation. Staff described the project as consistent with the Collierville Small Area Plan (Special Area 5) and noted that two existing dwellings would be demolished and replaced with seven street‑facing homes that must meet the TN district frontage standards.

Staff said the development would provide 7,782 square feet (about 9%) of common open space that will function in part as a stormwater detention area, and the applicant proposes to remove 19 existing trees and plant 16 new trees. Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on species selection and screening: several recommended replacement trees are deciduous (for example, tulip poplar and bald cypress) and would not provide year‑round screening.

“I just don't see that ink berry qualifies as a tree,” a commissioner said while discussing the detention basin plantings; staff clarified that shrubs do not count toward the tree planting requirement and that the condition requires evergreen understory trees around the detention pond plus evergreen shrubs in front of the sign to screen lighting. The applicant (identified on the record) said he is flexible and willing to work with staff to meet the requirements.

A motion to approve the landscaping, common open space and signage for Eagles Landing, subject to the conditions and exhibit and with an added condition that the applicant work with staff to produce a more defined planting plan for the detention basin, passed by roll call.

Key project details: seven lots on roughly 2.2 acres; two existing houses will be demolished; common open space = 7,782 sq ft (~9%); proposed new trees = 16; proposed tree removals = 19. Staff noted the applicant previously deferred the case due to sewer transmission line capacity concerns and that the planning commission conditionally approved a preliminary subdivision on Feb. 5.

The approval is conditional; the applicant must refine the planting plan with staff and submit final sign drawings with the sign permit application.