HomeMy WebLinkAboutDepartment Report 12-04-18 Carmel Plan Commission
COMMERCIAL COMMITTEE
December 4,2018 Department Report
3. Docket No. 18100007 OA: UDO Patch Amendment
The applicant seeks to amend the Unified Development Ordinance in order to(A)amend the standards for Fences,
Bufferyards,Parking,Bicycle Parking,General Yard Standards and Waivers of Development Standards;(B)
amend Article 9: Processes and Article 11:Definitions;and(C)correct a variety of errors and omissions from the
conversion to the Unified Development Ordinance format.Filed by the Department of Community Services on
behalf of the Cannel Plan Commission.
*Updates to the Department Report are noted in blue text.
Project Overview: Please view the informational packet for the proposed ordinance.
This proposed ordinance amendment updates a variety of sections throughout the entire UDO. Most of the proposed
revisions are not substantive in nature,in other words,are not written to change the intent of the standards. However
there are a handful of proposed amendments that would alter the current standards. We believe most of the amendments
are self-explanatory coupled with the November 9 Memo.
Substantive Amendments:
Although the proposed amendments cover a wide range of topics,we expect most of the discussion will occur surrounding
the substantive amendments. The details are highlighted in gray in both the ordinance draft as well as the November 9
Memo. Below is further explanation:
1. Fence Standards: While the most of the existing fence standards have been in place for decades,fence permitting has
only been in place since January of 2017. Over the course of reviewing applications,discussing with homeowners
and the issuance of over 500 fence permits,we believe a few adjustments would help with some common citizen
requests while also maintaining the intended aesthetic standards.
— Corner lots interior to subdivisions: Allow existing 6' fences to be replaced along one of the local streets at the
side/rear of a home. Current height standard is 42".
— Collector/Arterial/Parkways: Exempt fences from the 25%open visibility requirement if they do the 6' setback
and landscaping option that would allow for a 6' fence rather than 42".
— Keystone Parkway: Allow fences up to 8' without the 25%open visibility. Allow director approval of additional
24"in cases where the topography is low. Current height standard is 42".
2. Commercial Bufferyards: A reduction in planting requirements has been requested by the Urban Forester,
especially in Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. With limited space,competing with utilities and drainage,it is difficult to
accommodate the amount of plantings prescribed.
3. Residential Bufferyards: Adjustments in the Bufferyard widths and planting requirements has been requested by the
Urban Forester,including proposed increases in Bufferyard widths and Shade/Evergreen plantings. Similar to
commercial Bufferyards,the Urban Forester has requested reductions in the Ornamental Tree and Shrub quantities.
4. Cl & C2 District Parking Requirements: A majority of the parking in Cl &C2 Districts is provided by the
Redevelopment Commission as part of project agreements,so it makes sense to allow the CRC to have full discretion
over the parking requirements as the primary approval body. The previous zoning ordinance provided for reduced
parking;however those reductions were inadvertently omitted from the UDO.
5. Parking for Mixed Uses: The ordinance currently states that parking spaces shall equal the sum of the various uses
computed separately. However,this does not take into account for uses on the same site with different peak hours
(e.g. office and residential). The proposal allows for a 25%reduction in vertical mixed use projects with different
peak use times. Waivers of up to 35%would remain an option,and of course,development standards variances could
provide further relief.
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6. Bicycle Parking:
— Office Uses: We propose to increase the Short-term bicycle parking requirement for Offices to 1 space per
10,000 square feet(rather than 20,000 square feet). The current requirement would have been adequate assuming
the long-term bicycle barking were also a requirement.However,we failed to adjust the requirement after the
long-term parking was"encouraged"rather than required.
— Hotel Uses: We propose to add a separate standard for Hotels,which have previously been negotiated on a case
by case basis. The short-term standard would be 1 space per 30 guest rooms,minimum of 4 spaces. In this case
we are proposing a long-term requirement of 1 space per 15 guest rooms,minimum of 4 spaces. This would be
the only use that would require long-term bicycle parking. These standards are in line with other cities we
researched and we believe are appropriate with the increasing Bicycle Tourism in Hamilton County.
November 20 Meeting Recap:
Staff presented the proposed ordinance amendment document, focusing on the substantive changes. There were no
comments from the public or from the Commission members. The proposal was sent to the Commercial Committee for
further review and discussion,and the full PC will have final authority on a recommendation to City Council.
Recommendation:
After all comments and concerns are addressed,the Department of Community Services recommends the Commercial
Committee sends this item back to the full Plan Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 18,2018 with a Favorable
Recommendation onto City Council.
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