HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket for BZA 05-26-20Paul G. Reis, Esq.
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Carmel, Indiana
May 26, 2020
Docket Numbers 20020006 UV &
20020007 V, 20020008 V, 20020009 V, 20020010 V
Commercial Landscape Business Expansion
4317 East 146th Street
Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Docket Nos. 20020006 UV &
20020007 V, 20020008 V, 20020009 V, 20020010 V
Commercial Landscape Business Expansion
INFORMATION BOOKLET
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Findings of Fact Ballot Sheet – 20020006 UV, Commercial Landscape Business Expansion
Proposed Findings of Fact
Findings of Fact Ballot Sheet – 20020007 V, East Perimeter Buffer Yard
Proposed Findings of Fact
Findings of Fact Ballot Sheet – 20020008 V, Paved/Curbed Parking Lots, Drive Aisles
Proposed Findings of Fact
Findings of Fact Ballot Sheet – 20020009 V, Transportation Plan Compliance/Right-of-Way
Proposed Findings of Fact
Findings of Fact Ballot Sheet – 20020010 V, Existing Ground Sign, Setback
Proposed Findings of Fact
2. Description of Use Variance Amendment
3. Statement of Variances
4. Statement in Support of Variances
5. Location Map
6. Site Plan
7. Landscape Plan – East Buffer Yard
8. Proposed Building Elevations
Page 4 of 5
CARMEL ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Carmel, Indiana
Docket No.: 20020006 UV
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: Use variance amendment,
Non-permitted use, Commercial
landscape business expansion
FINDINGS OF FACT – USE VARIANCE (Ballot Sheet)
1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
_
DATED THIS DAY OF , 20 .
________________________________________________
Board Member
Page 5 of 5
CARMEL ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
CARMEL, INDIANA
Docket No.: _20020006 UV_
Petitioner: _Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc._
Variance: _ Use variance amendment, Non-permitted use,
Commercial landscape business expansion _
FINDINGS OF FACT – USE VARIANCE
1. The approval of this variance will not be contrary to the public interest, due to the existence of special
condition(s) such that enforcement of the zoning ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship because:
The existing approved use for this site includes a building that needs to be replaced and enlarged in support
of the permitted business, to not replace the building would be detrimental to the continuing success of the
business, and there will be no increased impact to adjacent property.
2. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of
the community because:
The proposed replacement building will be constructed in the same location on the grounds of the business,
the impact of which will likely go unnoticed by neighbors, and there will be no increased impact to adjacent
property.
3. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be affected in a
substantially adverse manner because:
Other than the enlargement of an existing building footprint, the impact of site use at the approved business
will not be increased, and, therefore, will not adversely impact area property values.
4. The need for the variance arises from a natural condition peculiar to the subject property because:
The existing use is an approved use for this site and pre-dates (late 1980s) much of the other development
in the general area, an existing building needs to be replaced with a larger building in support of continuing
success of the business, and there will be no increased impact to adjacent property.
5. The approval of this variance does not substantially interfere with the Carmel/Clay Comprehensive Plan
because:
It represents a reasonable continuation of a long-established, existing approved use, whose impact on
property adjacent to the site will not be increased.
DECISION
IT IS THEREFORE the decision of the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals that Use Variance Docket No. 20020006 UV
is granted, subject to any conditions stated in the minutes of this Board, which are incorporated herein by reference and
made a part hereof.
Adopted this _______________ day of , 20 .
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
CHAIRPERSON, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
SECRETARY, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Conditions of the Board are listed on the back. (Petitioner or his representative to sign).
Page 4 of 7
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Carmel, Indiana
Docket No.: 20020007 V
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: 30-ft wide East perimeter buffer yard required,
15-ft requested (east)
FINDINGS OF FACT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE (Ballot Sheet)
1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
DATED THIS DAY OF , 20____.
________________________________________________
Board Member
Page 5 of 7
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
CARMEL, INDIANA
Docket No.: 20020007 V
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: 30-ft wide East perimeter buffer yard required, 15-ft requested (east)
FINDINGS OF FACT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of
the community because:
The adjacent property to the east is a vacant, overgrown, nearly 14-acre site with an abandoned dwelling,
there are no other residential dwellings proximate to the propose building site that will benefit from required
buffering, the proposed building is far removed (south) from East 146th Street and approval of the variance
will not adversely impact existing, adjacent uses.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be affected in a
substantially adverse manner because:
The proposed building will be located over the existing building footprint, and its increased mass will not
adversely impact any existing, adjacent dwellings or other uses.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property will result in practical difficulties in
the use of the property because:
The new building is required for continued successful business operations of the approved use and a full-
width perimeter buffer yard on the east property line would adversely impact and restrict efficient vehicular
mobility on the site.
DECISION
IT IS THEREFORE the decision of the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals that Development Standards Variance Docket
No. 20020007 V is granted, subject to any conditions stated in the minutes of this Board, which are incorporated herein
by reference and made a part hereof.
Adopted this _______________ day of , 20 .
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
CHAIRPERSON, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
SECRETARY, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Conditions of the Board are listed on the back. (Petitioner or his representative to sign).
Page 6 of 7
CARMEL/CLAY ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Carmel, Indiana
Docket No.: 20020008 V
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: Paved/curbed parking lots required, No
curbs in drive aisles requested
FINDINGS OF FACT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE (Ballot Sheet)
1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
DATED THIS DAY OF , 20___.
________________________________________________
Board Member
Page 7 of 7
CARMEL/CLAY ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
CARMEL, INDIANA
Docket No.: 20020008 V
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: Paved/curbed parking lots required, No curbs in drive aisles requested
FINDINGS OF FACT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of
the community because:
Most of the site is currently unpaved and pervious, which minimizes storm water runoff to areas beyond the
site. Installing curbs around the existing parking areas and along planned drive aisles would collect and
funnel storm water to concentrated release points where increased runoff quantity and flow rates would
reduce absorption into the ground.
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be affected in a
substantially adverse manner because:
Much of this site is covered with pervious surfaces, and storm water currently slowly sheet-flows across the
gently-sloped site, allowing for absorption into the ground across the site, and the property owner will work
with City Engineering to address storm water control design for the site.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property will result in practical difficulties in
the use of the property because:
In addition to negatively impacting absorption of storm water across the largely-pervious site, curbs would
pose restrictions to vehicular maneuverability across the site hindering efficient and effective movement of
landscape materials to, around and from the site.
DECISION
IT IS THEREFORE the decision of the Carmel/Clay Board of Zoning Appeals that Development Standards Variance
Docket No. 20020008 V is granted, subject to any conditions stated in the minutes of this Board, which are incorporated
herein by reference and made a part hereof.
Adopted this _______________ day of , 20 .
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
CHAIRPERSON, Carmel/Clay Board of Zoning Appeals
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
SECRETARY, Carmel/Clay Board of Zoning Appeals
Conditions of the Board are listed on the back. (Petitioner or his representative to sign).
Page 4 of 7
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Carmel, Indiana
Docket No.: 20020009 V
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: Transportation Plan Compliance, 60-ft half
right of way required, Keep existing 50-ft half
requested
FINDINGS OF FACT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE (Ballot Sheet)
1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
_
DATED THIS DAY OF , 20____.
________________________________________________
Board Member
Page 5 of 7
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
CARMEL, INDIANA
Docket No.: 20020009 V
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: Transportation Plan Compliance, 60-ft half right of way required, Keep existing 50-ft half
requested
FINDINGS OF FACT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of
the community because:
The East 146th Street, a Hamilton County facility, was reconstructed in 2001, at which time the requisite
additional right-of-way to construct the current cross-section was acquired. The Hamilton County
recommended right-of-way for 146th Street is 150’, but the plan is notated with language stating that the
right-of-way “may be reduced in an urban context”, which describes how the area around the site has
developed over time. Hamilton County holds jurisdiction over 146th Street. (Carmel’s Thoroughfare Plan
recommends a right-of-way width for 146th Street of 120’ (60’ half).)
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be affected in a
substantially adverse manner because:
The 146th Street was reconstructed in 2001, at which time the requisite additional right-of-way throughout
the project area was acquired from all abutting real estate owners to construct the current cross-section. No
road construction project proximate to the site is contemplated by the County, so the status quo is
maintained for all property owners.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property will result in practical difficulties in
the use of the property because:
The there are no County plans to further widen 146th Street in this area, and practical difficulties in setbacks
for an existing sign and existing building would result if additional right-of-way were to be required. Requiring
additional right-of-way at this location, at this time and in the absence of a road construction project would
unnecessarily disrupt business operations.
DECISION
IT IS THEREFORE the decision of the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals that Development Standards Variance Docket
No. 20020009 V is granted, subject to any conditions stated in the minutes of this Board, which are incorporated herein
by reference and made a part hereof.
Adopted this _______________ day of , 20 .
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
CHAIRPERSON, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
SECRETARY, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Conditions of the Board are listed on the back. (Petitioner or his representative to sign).
Page 6 of 7
CARMEL/CLAY ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Carmel, Indiana
Docket No.: 20020010 V
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: Existing Ground Sign, ≥ 5-ft setback from
street right of way required, < 5-ft requested
FINDINGS OF FACT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE (Ballot Sheet)
1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
DATED THIS DAY OF , 20___.
________________________________________________
Board Member
Page 7 of 7
CARMEL/CLAY ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
CARMEL, INDIANA
Docket No.: 20020010 V
Petitioner: Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc.
Variance: Existing Ground Sign, ≥ 5-ft setback from street right of way required, < 5-ft requested
FINDINGS OF FACT - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of
the community because:
The existing sign was placed after the reconstruction of 146th Street and the establishment of the current
right-of-way for that reconstruction. (This variance becomes unnecessary if additional right-of-way is not
required to be dedicated.)
2. The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be affected in a
substantially adverse manner because:
The sign location will not be shifted closer to the drive lanes of 146th Street or the vision clearance triangle at
the business driveway intersection with 146th Street. The current sign location does not impede pass-by or
site traffic.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property will result in practical difficulties in
the use of the property because:
The sign is currently zoning compliant (based on existing right-of-way) and may need to be relocated, an
unnecessary business expense, if additional right-of-way dedication is required.
DECISION
IT IS THEREFORE the decision of the Carmel/Clay Board of Zoning Appeals that Development Standards Variance
Docket No. 20020010 V is granted, subject to any conditions stated in the minutes of this Board, which are incorporated
herein by reference and made a part hereof.
Adopted this _______________ day of , 20 .
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
CHAIRPERSON, Carmel/Clay Board of Zoning Appeals
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
SECRETARY, Carmel/Clay Board of Zoning Appeals
Conditions of the Board are listed on the back. (Petitioner or his representative to sign).
Description of Use Variance Amendment
Salsbery Brothers Landscaping, Inc. is seeking a Use Variance Amendment to replace an
existing principal building on its East 146th Street site with a new, larger principal building in the
same general location, expanding on the existing building footprint. The existing building is
located approximately 630’ south of East 146th Street and approximately 300’ north of the south
parcel/lot line and is visible on the 1974 aerial photographs on Hamilton County GIS.
The Use Variance Amendment application is accompanied by four Development Standards
Variance requests: one to reduce the east side yard buffer from 30’ (required) to 15’; another to
not require curbs in the drive aisles on the site; a third to keep the existing 50’ half right-of-way
for 146th Street; and one to require less than five feet for the sign setback for the existing sign.
Landscaping for the east buffer yard is proposed to be phased in, with the south section
being established along with construction of the new building. The exact timing for phasing in the
north section will be determined in consultation with Carmel’s urban forester and planners. Much
of the north section consists of aggregate fill, up to a depth of 4’-5’, which is an inhospitable
landscaping environment. The petitioner is exploring options with the urban forester, including
committing to establishing the buffer yard plantings on the adjacent property with the owner’s
consent, and hopes to present a landscape design resolution to the Board.
The elimination of curbs on the site serves two purposes: it allows for easier
maneuverability on the site by the many business truck/trailer combinations that are required for
serving customers; and it maintains the existing broad distribution of stormwater to take advantage
of site percolation in the unpaved areas of the site. This would also maintain maximum
maneuverability for emergency vehicles if they are called to the site.
The existing right-of-way was established by Hamilton County Highway Department when
it constructed the current cross-section of East 146th Street. The County acquired sufficient right-
of-way at that time for its design needs for the thoroughfare. The existing right-of-way line is
approximately 12-13 feet from the front of the “office” building. Expanding the half right-of-way
to 60’ would place the new south right-of-way line within in a couple of feet of the nearest façade
of the office building.
The existing sign, which will remain in place, was relocated in conjunction with Hamilton
County’s construction and widening of East 146th Street around 2001/2002. No new signs are
proposed with this request. Please note, though, that if the Board of Zoning Appeals approves the
right-of-way variance (20020009 V), then the fourth variance (20020010 V) for the sign setback
becomes unnecessary and can be withdrawn.
The existing building and the proposed replacement building represent principal buildings
on the site along with those buildings identified as “office” and “storage.” Development standards
for a principal building, rather than an accessory building, apply to this building.
Dumpsters are located near the center of the south half of the site in the area identified on
the site plan as “solid waste disposal pad.” This location is the most functional location for site
operations and is well-removed from the east, south and west property lines.
New lighting associated with the new building is limited to security lighting above the
overhead doors shown on the building elevations. Light fixture selection is to be determined and
will be zoning compliant. Light fixture details will be provided to the Department of Community
Services when construction permit applications are filed.
Sufficient parking exists on the site to accommodate requirements for the proposed
construction. For a “plant nursery”, the UDO requires one space/300 SF of building plus one
space/acre. Thirty-five spaces are required under existing site development. Fifty-five spaces are
required under proposed site development. Sixty-seven spaces exist on the site.
Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Docket Nos. 20020006 UV &
20020007 V, 20020008 V, 20020009 V, 20020010 V
Commercial Landscape Business Expansion
STATEMENT OF VARIANCES
USE VARIANCE
The proposed construction of a new building and demolition of an old building on the site
presents a change to the approved plans under the existing use variance approval. This change
requires review and approval (amendment) of the existing use variance.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCES
East Perimeter Buffer Yard
This request is to provide a 15-foot side yard buffer (30 feet required) along the east
property line in order to maintain vehicle maneuverability around the site, buildings and
landscape stock.
Paved/Curbed Parking Lots, Drive Aisles
This request is to continue to site development without curbed parking areas and drive
aisles.
Transportation Plan Compliance/Right-of-Way
This request is to maintain the existing right-of-way along East 146th Street, where
thoroughfare improvements were constructed in 2001 with adequate right-of-way width that
maintained a safe setback for an existing site building.
Existing Ground Sign, Setback
If the previous (right-of-way) variance is approved, then this variance will not be
necessary. Conversely, if the previous variance is denied, then this variance will accommodate
the existing sign location.
Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Docket Nos. 20020006 UV &
20020007 V, 20020008 V, 20020009 V, 20020010 V
Commercial Landscape Business Expansion
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF VARIANCES
USE VARIANCE
The existing use is accommodated by an approved use variance. The proposed replacement
building will be constructed over an existing building footprint and is necessary to support the
continuing success of the business. The replacement building will generally be unnoticed by
neighbors due to its interior location on the site, and it will not negatively impact area property
values.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCES
East Perimeter Buffer Yard
Site impact of the enlarged building is minimal while there is no increased impact in the use
of the site. The adjacent property to the east is a vacant, overgrown, nearly 14-acre site with an
abandoned dwelling. The area of site impact is minimal, and its location is far removed from 146th
Street and adjoining uses. A wider landscape buffer yard along the east property line would adversely
impact and restrict efficient vehicular mobility on the site. A 15-foot side yard landscape buffer along
the east property line is sufficient to address compatibility between the adjacent uses.
Paved/Curbed Parking Lots, Drive Aisles
Much of this site is covered with pervious surfaces, and storm water currently slowly sheet-
flows across the gently-sloped site, allowing for absorption into the ground across the site. Installing
curbs around the existing parking areas and along planned drive aisles would collect and funnel
storm water to concentrated release points where increased runoff quantity and flow rates would
reduce absorption into the ground. Curbs would
Transportation Plan Compliance/Right-of-Way
Hamilton County constructed the current cross-section of East 146th Street in 2001, and, in
order to do that, purchased adequate right-of-way width for that project that also maintained a safe
setback for an existing site building. Requiring additional right-of-way at this location, at this time
and in the absence of a road construction project would unnecessarily disrupt business operations.
Existing Ground Sign, Setback
If the previous (right-of-way) variance is approved, then this variance will not be necessary.
Conversely, if the previous variance is denied, then this variance, if approved, will accommodate the
existing sign location. Hamilton County, which controls 146th Street, has no construction plans for
this section of East 146th Street.
KD_10720532.1
4305 & 4317 East 146th Street
Parcels
February 3, 2020
0 0.08 0.160.04 mi
0 0.1 0.20.05 km
1:4,800
Hamilton County compiled this map. Although strict accuracy standards have been employed, Hamilton County does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any and all liability resulting from any error or omission.Author: Hamilton County
DECIDUOUS TREEPLANTING DETAILRemove trunk wrapif necessary.Remove all wire baskets,twine and burlap.Before tree is in the hole,remove bottom of basketcutting horizontally.After tree is in the hole,remove rest of basketcutting vertically.Backfill using existing soil.Water thoroughly toeliminate air pockets.Add 1-2 inches ofhardwood mulch.Keep mulch 3 inchesfrom trunk.Remove tags andlabels.Prune only dead orbroken branches ordouble leaders.Stake treeif necessary.Remove excess soilto locate and exposeroot flare.Root flare should be1-2 inches abovefinish grade.Finish grade.LEAVE SOIL UNDER ROOT BALLUNDISTURBED TO HELP SUPPORT ITAND REDUCE SETTLING.1 1/2 - 2 TIMES BALL DIAMETERSHRUBPLANTING DETAILRemove any containeror twine and burlap.Backfill using existing soil.Water thoroughly toeliminate air pockets.Add 1-2 inches ofhardwood mulch.Keep mulch 3 inchesfrom trunk.Remove tags andlabels.Prune only dead orbroken branches ordouble leaders.Remove excess soilto locate and exposeroot flare.Root flare should be1-2 inches abovefinish grade.Finish grade.LEAVE SOIL UNDER ROOT BALLUNDISTURBED TO HELP SUPPORT ITAND REDUCE SETTLING.1 1/2 - 2 TIMES BALL DIAMETER