Opinion ID: 2658241
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Landscaped and Fenced Buffer Zone

Text: The Office of Planning and ANC 3D recommended that the Commission require AU to provide a landscaped buffer, at least 65 feet wide, between the East Campus and Westover Place to reduce light and noise impacts, with a fence to prevent students from using the buffer zone for recreational purposes. AU proposed a buffer 55-60 feet deep for most of its length, with one part only 40 feet deep to accommodate the remaining parking space; and its proposal did not include a fence. Petitioners argue that the Commission did not adequately explain why it accepted AU‟s buffer proposal without modification rather than that of the Office of Planning and ANC 3D. In two respects, we agree. While the small difference between a depth of 55-60 feet and one of 65 feet does not call for additional explanation, the portion of AU‟s proposed buffer that would be only 40 feet wide does seem to constitute a relatively significant deviation from what the Office of Planning and the ANC 41 Spring Valley, 856 A.2d at 1180. 40 sought, such that the Commission should have provided a “reasoned basis” for allowing it.42 The Commission likewise should have addressed the recommendation for a fence to keep AU students out of the buffer zone. It should address both these matters on remand.