HomeMy WebLinkAboutDepartment Report 06-16-201
CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT REPORT
JUNE 16, 2020
1. Docket No. 19090013 OA: Accessory Dwelling Ordinance Standards.
The applicant seeks to amend the Unified Development Ordinance in order to establish standards and minimum
requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units and to amend definitions. Filed by the Department of Community
Services on behalf of the Carmel Plan Commission.
Project Overview:
Please view the informational packet for the proposed ordinance. The purpose of this proposal is to amend the UDO
regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and definitions related to Group Homes. In summary, the ordinance proposes the
following:
1. Allow accessory dwelling units by right in residential zoning districts.
2. Establishes standards for accessory dwelling units for those adding an accessory dwelling to their property.
3. Requires 20% of new lots developed in new subdivisions (10 or more lots of 1 acre or less in size) to include an
accessory dwelling.
4. Revises definitions related to Group Homes to include quantities and remove outdated references to Indiana Code.
Why Accessory Dwellings?
The need to offer a variety of housing options has long been a topic of discussion in city planning. By all measures, Carmel has
been experiencing rapid housing growth for the last 50 years; most of which has been developed in the form of single-family
detached houses. Over the last 20 years, Carmel has also been a successful market for other housing types with the addition of
townhomes, condominiums and apartments into the mix. With continued housing demand, rising housing costs and a shrinking
supply of land to develop, we believe it is time to adjust our housing strategy to continue to meet the needs and preferences of
residents.
Removing zoning barriers to the construction of accessory dwelling units is a logical next step. Also known as granny flats,
carriage houses or in-law suites, accessory dwellings are independent living units which are either attached to, within, or located
on the same lot as a single-family home. They are flexible in size and configuration and are more affordable for young couples
who want a small footprint or for seniors looking to downsize and remain in their neighborhoods. They can also provide a
source of financial stability for homeowners to stay in their houses or rent out the main house – making aging in place possible.
In short, accessory dwellings can be a solution to high housing costs, limited developable land, and demand for
multigenerational living. With carefully crafted standards, they can be built discreetly into the character of new and existing
neighborhoods while making efficient use of existing street and utility infrastructure that is so costly for new developments.
Resources:
There is abundant research and numerous articles available regarding accessory dwellings. Here are a few resources that the
Department found to be particularly helpful, including a 2018 study of housing and the future workforce in Central Indiana:
• AARP: The ABCs of ADUs and All About Accessory Dwelling Units
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): What is the “Missing Middle of Housing? and Yes, In My Backyard
• MIBOR Realtor Association: Coming Up Short: Housing the Region’s Future Workforce. Some may recall
representatives of MIBOR presented the highlights of this study in 2019 at a Dialogue Dinner held at Fire Station 45.
Recommendation:
The Department of Community Services recommends the Plan Commission sends this item to the Residential Committee
meeting in July for further review and discussion.