A Villages homeowner’s stone landscaping was found to be in violation of deed compliance in a public hearing Thursday morning before the Community Development District 7 Board of Supervisors.
Margaret Oliver, who lives in the Mariel Villas in the Village of Hemingway, did not receive Architectural Review Committee approval for the stone landscaping at her patio villa.
Stone may only be used as an accent in landscaping at patio villas.
A complaint about the landscaping was received in April, specifically indicating that ARC approval had not been received.
“They can’t have only rock. They have to have plantings,” Administrative Operations Manager Diane Tucker said.
Stone at patio villas has been found to cause drainage problems, hence the need for plantings.
Oliver retroactively sought ARC approval, but has been denied because her plan included too much rock and not enough plantings.
A photo taken Wednesday and shown to supervisors indicating that Oliver’s property is still out of compliance.
However, supervisors noted that Oliver is attempting to come into compliance, as she has been in contact and actively working with staff from Community Standards.
“She is showing she wants to get it done,” said CDD 7 Supervisor Mark Gallo.
Oliver was given 60 days to bring the property into compliance. If the property is not brought into compliance, Oliver will face fines and potential legal action.
Stone restrictions have been a sore point for a resident of the Bayport Villas, and he has spoken out on the topic at Community Development District 8 board meetings.