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Request for Development Standards Variances
Project: STAR Financial Bank Branch – 140 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, Indiana
Ch 23, F.06.02.a. - Building Frontage
Request variance to allow the row of parking spaces on east side of building to be included in the
frontage exception for lots with less than 120 feet of frontage.
Parking provided near the front door is essential to the daily customer banking use of this branch. The
parking has been located at least 6 feet behind the front building façade as required by the overlay
district.
Ch 23, F.08.01. - FAR
Request variance to allow the proposed building with a Floor Area Ratio below the minimum of 0.5,
proposed at 0.18.
The minimum Floor Area Ratio of 0.5 would require a building much larger than the owner’s needs for
the facility, and would make the site maneuverability impossible, especially with the drive-through
facility. The long and narrow lot dimensions further complicate providing this requirement.
Ch 23, F.15.02. – Interconnect Adjoining Parking Lots
Request variance from the requirement to provide interconnection to east adjoining parking lot.
The lot adjacent to the east sits at an elevation lower than the existing site. The grade difference at such
a short distance between parking lots does not allow for a drivable connection between lots. In
addition, an interconnection to the existing drive aisle of the adjacent parking lot would be located very
close to Carmel Drive, which presents a traffic safety issue.
Ch 23, F.12.02. – Exterior Lighting Levels
Request variance to allow exterior illumination levels above 0.5 foot candles at the property line.
Given the narrow width of this site at 110 feet, even with minimal exterior lighting to achieve adequate
on-site security lighting levels, the levels are not able to be kept below 0.5 foot candles at the property
lines. This will not affect the adjacent properties in an adverse manner since all of the adjacent uses are
commercial with similar exterior lighting levels rather than residential uses.
Woolpert, Inc.
7635 Interactive Way, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46278-2731
317.299.7500
Page 2
Ch 25, 07.02-04.b)2.a. – Number of Signs
Request variance to allow third sign, which will be located on the east elevation of the building next to
the main entrance.
This sign is needed to identify the building at the effective main entrance. There is an entrance facing
Carmel Drive as required by the Overlay, however the majority of the customers will use the automotive
access. The sign on the east façade aids in identifying the bank operation for these customers.
Ch 25, 07.02-04.e)9. – Wall Sign Location
Request variance to allow third sign to not face the building street frontage.
This sign is needed to identify the building at the effective main entrance. There is an entrance facing
Carmel Drive as required by the Overlay, however the majority of the customers will use the automotive
access. The sign on the east façade aids in identifying the bank operation for these customers.
Ch 33, 05.A. – Shade Trees in Bufferyard
Request variance to remove one required shade tree from south bufferyard and all trees from the east
bufferyard.
The required shade trees along the frontage of the building, including the street trees, exceedingly block
the view of the building from the street. Required trees along the east bufferyard will conflict with
existing utilities, including telecom, gas, and sanitary sewer, located along the east bufferyard and
property line, and also block the view of the building from the street (coming from the east). Low
standing landscape plantings with shallower root balls, such as shrubs and grasses, are proposed along
the east bufferyard in excess of the ordinance requirements.
Woolpert, Inc.
7635 Interactive Way, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46278-2731
317.299.7500