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Neighbors and applicant clash over 50‑foot buffer; Cherokee board delays decision
Summary
A request by Britton and Erica Felber to remove a recorded 50‑foot undisturbed buffer on a steep 7.88‑acre flag lot drew extensive neighbor opposition; the board postponed a decision until Aug. 4 to let staff craft specific conditions for grading and replanted screening.
The board postponed action on a request to remove a 50‑foot undisturbed buffer tied to a 2006 rezoning for the Felber parcel off Stillbridle/Steeles Bridge Road.
Planning staff explained the buffer was part of a conservation subdivision approval and that removing it would alter a recorded condition and conservation easement. Applicant Erica Felber told the board she needs to grade into the buffer to build a single‑family home on a steep, flag lot and said her excavator and civil engineer advised that without grading she could incur substantial retaining‑wall and site‑work costs.
Neighbors urged the board to uphold the buffer, citing privacy, mature trees, wildlife corridors and a recorded conservation easement. Zach Saxon, an adjacent homeowner, asked the board to “deny this request” and said the buffer was put in place to protect surrounding homeowners.
Commissioners discussed options including retaining an undisturbed buffer, allowing limited grading with an approved replanting plan and arborist review, or requiring retaining walls. The board voted to postpone a final determination until the Aug. 4 meeting and asked staff to return with recommended wording and conditions.
