Carefree P&Z looks to strengthen codes
by Brian DiTullio

CAREFREE – Planning and zoning officials continued their work of strengthening and clarifying the 2004 Carefree Zoning Ordinance.

Planning Director and Zoning Administrator Gary Neiss presented draft language to the Planning and Zoning Commission during a public workshop at its regular meeting May 14.  Neiss focused on preserving the town’s character, open space, and keeping signs and walls from taking over the community.

Among new items in the draft language, if adopted, Carefree zoning would no longer allow new construction to include non‑native shrubs, plants or trees to be located in front‑yard setbacks or required yard. If the property owner wishes, native plants would be permissible.

And, homeowners would not be allowed to build a fence out of flora. Neiss cited as an example a recent case where a resident was allowed by the Board of Adjustment to build a natural fence by planting a non‑native hedge.

“Is there a list available to the public on what is native?” asked Commissioner John Nimsky about plant species.

Neiss replied a brochure is in production.

Chairman Bill Meyer asked Neiss about new residents moving into Carefree who might point to existing structures that would violate the new language. Neiss replied he simply would show them the ordinance and explain those structures came into existence before the current language was added, and reminded everyone that the revised language would apply to new construction only.

On another matter, commission member Ron Clarke thought the existing language for sign dimensions was too restrictive, making it difficult for people to read addresses as they go up and down the street.

“We’re being too tight,” said Clarke, suggesting four square feet of sign area instead of the current two square feet. “We ought to allow them to be bigger.”

The rest of the commission agreed with Clarke’s suggestion, and Neiss said he would make the change in the proposed update of the ordinance.

There also was a brief discussion over the removal of dead trees in homeowners’ yards, specifically whether the zoning administrator “may” or “shall” tell someone to have the dead vegetation removed.

The commission wanted the language to read “shall” in the interest of public safety, citing wildfire risks.

Town Attorney Tom Chanel supported this change, as long as it was couched in terms of public health, safety and welfare.

Neiss said he would make all recommended changes and return the ordinance for a public hearing at next month’s meeting.