GL Homes’ buffer relocation variance for Johns PUD recommended; maintenance agreement required

The Zoning Commission recommended approval of a Type II variance for the Johns Planned Unit Development that would allow GL Homes to relocate a required 25-foot perimeter incompatibility buffer off-site to wrap a Palm Beach County retention pond, the developer said.

Kevin, introduced himself as vice president with GL Homes, told the commission the relocation would allow townhouse units better views of the lake while substantially increasing landscaping around the pond. He cited proposed planting quantities for the new buffer (example figures quoted by the presenter included 28 canopy trees and 129 shrubs for certain buffer areas) and said the developer will install and maintain the landscaping under a county maintenance agreement until turnover to the future homeowners association.

Kevin said the maintenance agreement is under county engineering review and anticipated to go to the Board of County Commissioners in July; he said if the county declines the maintenance agreement, the applicant would be required to install the standard perimeter buffer around the project as originally required.

Commissioners asked about fence type and maintenance responsibilities; Kevin described a six-foot vinyl chain-link fence in places and explained the maintenance and HOA transfer provisions. Staff indicated the project meets the seven or eight criteria required for a variance and recommended approval.

A motion to adopt the resolution approving Item 5A carried; the transcript records the motion passing but no roll-call tally is recorded.