Side yard set backs

[jimbo2012]

I was over a friends house in Sanibel yesterday.

His neighbor planted a row of bamboos 2' from his property line, about 10' wide 50' long with 20 of them.

He called code endorsement they told the owner they must apply for ARC approval.

He spoke to the guy after he looked around and was told he can plant anything he wants as long as the base of the plant is two feet from the line.

I thought it was a 5 foot rule???

Now these can get to be 12-15 foot tall it will almost be a wall.

after the rain some of the stems were hanging way over his line like 3-4'

Now his neighbor is going to apply for an ARC approval supposedly next week, I suggested that he write a letter in anticipation of the application with his concerns.

What do you think?

He already spoke to him and was told he can do what ever he wants, so reasoning will not work.

[kittygilchrist]

I think the planter might not know that bamboo grows rampantly and is extremely difficult/expensive/impossible to control.

edited: see later post by Angiefox about clumping bamboo...the above is not true of all bamboo.

[Boudicca]

My brother planted one 5 gallon bucket of bamboo, back in 1998 - he now has three acres, and the Delaware officials involved have attempted to eradicate it for him, without success.

[buggyone]

I would hope the ARC tells the neighbor to tear up the bamboo immediately! What would make any person think that bamboo is a plant to have on your property? It is terribly invasive and will spread all over as well as being impossible to control or kill. It will also draw herds of giant pandas!

[jimbo2012]

I think the planter might not know that bamboo grows rampantly and is extremely difficult/expensive/impossible to control.

U would also think that the landscaper would get the required ARC appovals

I would hope the ARC tells the neighbor to tear up the bamboo immediately! What would make any person think that bamboo is a plant to have on your property? It is terribly invasive and will spread all over as well as being impossible to control or kill. It will also draw herds of giant pandas!

They may not indicate exactly what they are planting on the app, they may just say 18 bushes?

That's it I have to tell him to rent a panda, they should all be gone in day or two.

[kittygilchrist]

Giant Panda Cam - National Zoo (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm)
The cub is the size of a stick of butter, so says CNN.

[angiefox10]

"But isn't bamboo terribly invasive?"

Some kinds are. There's over a thousand species of bamboo, though, and many are not invasive - their natural growth habit is to grow in very tight, compact clumps. Those are the types we specialize in at Florida Bamboo. They are very different from the more commonly seen invasive, running types of bamboo. See Runners vs. Clumpers (http://www.floridabamboo.com/about.html#runners) for a discussion of the differences.


Florida Bamboo: Common Questions and Answers (http://www.floridabamboo.com/qanda.html)


The Villages has planted bamboo in The Village of Sanibel.... Very pretty.... Very controlled.


If bamboo is the problem her.... Problem solved..




Your welcome!

[Indydealmaker]

I was over a friends house in Sanibel yesterday.

His neighbor planted a row of bamboos 2' from his property line, about 10' wide 50' long with 20 of them.

He called code endorsement they told the owner they must apply for ARC approval.

He spoke to the guy after he looked around and was told he can plant anything he wants as long as the base of the plant is two feet from the line.

I thought it was a 5 foot rule???

Now these can get to be 12-15 foot tall it will almost be a wall.

after the rain some of the stems were hanging way over his line like 3-4'

Now his neighbor is going to apply for an ARC approval supposedly next week, I suggested that he write a letter in anticipation of the application with his concerns.

What do you think?

He already spoke to him and was told he can do what ever he wants, so reasoning will not work.

In my neighborhood on Boiling Springs Ct., not one neighbor would think of embarking on any landscaping on the sides without discussing it with the adjoining property owners. We cooperate to make sure the lawnmowers can have sufficient ingress and egress as well as to make sure we do not create drainage issues for each other.

[kittygilchrist]

"But isn't bamboo terribly invasive?"

Some kinds are. There's over a thousand species of bamboo, though, and many are not invasive - their natural growth habit is to grow in very tight, compact clumps. Those are the types we specialize in at Florida Bamboo. They are very different from the more commonly seen invasive, running types of bamboo. See Runners vs. Clumpers (http://www.floridabamboo.com/about.html#runners) for a discussion of the differences.


Florida Bamboo: Common Questions and Answers (http://www.floridabamboo.com/qanda.html)


The Villages has planted bamboo in The Village of Sanibel.... Very pretty.... Very controlled.


If bamboo is the problem her.... Problem solved..




Your welcome!

and thank you! http://polkhort.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/publications/Bamboo%20Basics.pdf
Here's a look at different species. I learned something here. thanks Angie. Where's FLorida Bamboo located?

[Uptown Girl]

According to their website, Florida Bamboo Nursery is located in Citra, between Gainsville and Ocala. Open by appointment only.

Looks like they do not presently have stock for sale- but supply links on their website for other bamboo sources/nurseries.

Many of our local landscape company nurseries carry bamboo.
Last year we purchased a semi-dwarf variety of clumping bamboo from Village Palms when they installed our rear landscaping. We get many compliments on it.

They do shed a bit, however. A bit of maintenance there.

[zcaveman]

I read an article in the paper a couple of weeks ago where bamboo was found growing under someone's siding. It does not happen immediately but could take years.

I would veto any bamboo around me.

It sounds like this "neighbor" wants a fence.

Z

[stenteach]

That is scary...where is it in Sanibel...I would hope the Architectural Committee has a rule about species such as this...I have a home elsewhere and a neighbor has had a nightmare because the person next to him planted this about 15 years ago...he has had to rent a tractor and dig down and put in a plastic wall to try and prevent it from growing in his driveway -- it is growing up through the blacktop...who knows what he has planted or been sold...hopefully The Villages will take action about plants of this type.

Does The Villages have anyone who checks out what is going on to insure that all abide...thanks for the heads up...peace...


I was over a friends house in Sanibel yesterday.

His neighbor planted a row of bamboos 2' from his property line, about 10' wide 50' long with 20 of them.

He called code endorsement they told the owner they must apply for ARC approval.

He spoke to the guy after he looked around and was told he can plant anything he wants as long as the base of the plant is two feet from the line.

I thought it was a 5 foot rule???

Now these can get to be 12-15 foot tall it will almost be a wall.

after the rain some of the stems were hanging way over his line like 3-4'

Now his neighbor is going to apply for an ARC approval supposedly next week, I suggested that he write a letter in anticipation of the application with his concerns.

What do you think?

He already spoke to him and was told he can do what ever he wants, so reasoning will not work.

[CFrance]

Up north, some invasive species are illegal to be sold in nurseries. Loosestrife is an example in Michigan. Wonder why invasive bamboo is legal to sell here in FL?

[Bavarian]

I planted a small pot of bamboo in MD in a bed with bought topsoil, it spread like crazy, but only a few feet high. I dug it up, but not wanting to kill a plant outright, I transplanted them into the poorest ground in woods, they are still alive, but not spreading.

Like to know how a 10 foot bamboo is OK, whereas a 10 foot plant deemed a week is cause for a write up from control, did not see it, but found the lawn service would take it out for much money. Afterall, a weed is just a plant growing where you don't want it to.

[Lady L_Commissioner_Ward4]

I was over a friends house in Sanibel yesterday.

His neighbor planted a row of bamboos 2' from his property line, about 10' wide 50' long with 20 of them.

He called code endorsement they told the owner they must apply for ARC approval.

He spoke to the guy after he looked around and was told he can plant anything he wants as long as the base of the plant is two feet from the line.

I thought it was a 5 foot rule???

Now these can get to be 12-15 foot tall it will almost be a wall.

after the rain some of the stems were hanging way over his line like 3-4'

Now his neighbor is going to apply for an ARC approval supposedly next week, I suggested that he write a letter in anticipation of the application with his concerns.

What do you think?

He already spoke to him and was told he can do what ever he wants, so reasoning will not work.

Suggest you call deed compliance.
2 feet from the property line is correct, but planting trees, shrubs etc close together is creating a wall, that is not allowed without ARC approval. Keep in mind all districts have different Deed restrictions. Go to the web, and check yours out. districtgov

[jimbo2012]

How close is close?

These are about I guess 3' apart but they touch each other, looks like wall and all the same type about 6-7 foot tall.

Should look great when they get full height.

[TrudyM]

I once saw in our old neighborhood in California a person had planted a flowering plant, A variety of hibiscus I think in a row they had clipped and tied the branches as they grew weaving them in and out tying them together and wiring to train, it indeed was a living fence with blooms very pretty and only about a foot and a half wide. Person also had bonsai trees in the yard. But if someone puts a planting so close to the line they can't keep it trimmed without going into the neighbors yard so without them being onboard it would I think be asking for a mess.

[Lpierleo]

Would the ARC approve planting 2ft in from lot line but then bark mulch right on the back lot line? We know of some one in Sanibel of which the landscaper did exactly this as described. When it rains (which is often) the bark is floating in the other neighbors back yard.

[Bizdoc]

If all else fails in IDing the variety, call the county extension agent who will be happy to look at it. In presentations, the Sumter Co agent has repeatedly warned about the problems that the wrong kind of bamboo brings.

[travelguy]

from what i understand if any branches hang over a property line the other homeowner is within their rights to lop it off.

[gomoho]

Our neighbors had a beautiful landscape installed in the rear of their home - unfortunately a neighbor complained and they had to move it in 2 feet from the property line - nothing worse than neighbors being spiteful.

[mulligan]

Nothing spiteful about enforcing the deed restrictions. We all have an obligation to see that it is done.

[Uptown Girl]

Boy, sounds like that fellow does not want a view to his neighbor's property.

[kittygilchrist]

I don't want to swap views with neighbors and me lounging either, but it's not personal...I'm not accustomed to it.

[Easyrider]

Would the ARC approve planting 2ft in from lot line but then bark mulch right on the back lot line? We know of some one in Sanibel of which the landscaper did exactly this as described. When it rains (which is often) the bark is floating in the other neighbors back yard.

Always wondered too about how you can have landscaping and palms all the way out to the sidewalk? It's right on on Pinellas too?? Think ARC would approve it? Palm leaves actually will hit you while walking on the sidewalk.

Property is just barely east of Bonifay Country Club and backs up to Pinellas.

[asianthree]

so plants need to be five feet from line? what happens when they grow close to the line i would think a trim would be in order

[jimbo2012]

Always wondered too about how you can have landscaping and palms all the way out to the sidewalk? It's right on on Pinellas too?? Think ARC would approve it? Palm leaves actually will hit you while walking on the sidewalk.

Property is just barely east of Bonifay Country Club and backs up to Pinellas.

No way ARC would have approved that, must have been done without an application.

The way it works is community watch will not do a thing about an obvious violation as you describe, they know the landscaping must be setback 10.5 feet.

They will only act upon a complaint, such complainant need not give their name.

My friend did in fact call about the bamboo "fence" now that owner must file an app to ARC right away, he intends to find out how he can oppose the application prior to approval.

Not sure if that's even possible???

[mulligan]

There does not appear to be any allowance for public input in the ARC procedure.

[asianthree]

if its along the side what view was he hoping to block? we only have two windows on one side of the house....but i would not want to look at a wall of anything

[DEWRDW]

Is this property near Bonifay and backs up to Pinellas - I drive by there all the time and didn't see it???

[gomoho]

Nothing spiteful about enforcing the deed restrictions. We all have an obligation to see that it is done.

My problem is that is was done as a mean spirited act, not because the deed restrictions were violated. But I also have a problem with someone turning someone else in for a deed restriction so you fully understand where I am coming from. Please don't bother beating me up on this - it is my own personal belief which I am entitled to, just as you are yours.

[tommy steam]

Tell me if I am wrong. I thought you needed approval for any new landscaping that you are having installed. Another thing ,I think you would have to be very careful not to dig into any utility's while planting. If you get an approval,does someone come out and mark where the utilities are?

[Uptown Girl]

Tell me if I am wrong. I thought you needed approval for any new landscaping that you are having installed. Another thing ,I think you would have to be very careful not to dig into any utility's while planting. If you get an approval,does someone come out and mark where the utilities are?

They did come and mark them (at our house) before any work was done.

[Lpierleo]

They also came and marked all our utilities before any landscaping was added.

[Skybo]

My problem is that is was done as a mean spirited act, not because the deed restrictions were violated. But I also have a problem with someone turning someone else in for a deed restriction so you fully understand where I am coming from. Please don't bother beating me up on this - it is my own personal belief which I am entitled to, just as you are yours.

Whether or not it was done out of spite is a moot point. I can understand how difficult it might be to accept the concept of neighbors "ratting out" neighbors over a couple of feet of property. But it is the deed restrictions, and enforcement of deed restrictions that ensures that the property rights and property values of everyone who purchases a home here is protected. Everyone who has purchased a home here knew, or should have known, what the deed restrictions were in their neighborhood.

Not trying to beat you up...just giving you my opinion.

[jimbo2012]

Tell me if I am wrong. I thought you needed approval for any new landscaping that you are having installed.


Yes you do

Another thing ,I think you would have to be very careful not to dig into any utility's while planting. If you get an approval,does someone come out and mark where the utilities are?

yes you call a number I think 811 and they come free of charge, it is usually the landscaper or homeowner.

Whether or not it was done out of spite is a moot point. I can understand how difficult it might be to accept the concept of neighbors "ratting out" neighbors over a couple of feet of property. But it is the deed restrictions, and enforcement of deed restrictions that ensures that the property rights and property values of everyone who purchases a home here is protected. Everyone who has purchased a home here knew, or should have known, what the deed restrictions were in their neighborhood.

:agree: but it's not "ratting out", that is the only way code enforcement will react is by complaint, not it's own code enforcement personnel.

[marlinguy]

My neighbor has a small section of bamboo and they are the dirtiest landscape material ever!!! They shed leaves year round, literally daily and it is a forever job trying to clean up. The leaves get into everything, spouting, cars, landscaping. What a horrible choice for landscape material. Unfortunately our neighbors are very good friends and I have chosen just to live with it,,,and move.