HomeMy WebLinkAboutVariance ExplanationDrees t.
HOMESSM YEARS
To Whom It May Concern,
Drees Homes is applying for a Development Standards Variance for the 14 remaining lots in our
Albany Place neighborhood. Albany Place is a 51 lot neighborhood located at 14151 and
Shelborne Road in Carmel. We have been selling homes in Albany Place since mid-2017. The
average sales price is $693,000.
We are seeking a variance in the front porch depth requirement. We would like to see the
depth reduced so we may offer more elevations and plans and create more variety in the
neighborhood. We feel our homes have extensive architectural elements on the porches and
front elevations, and feel as though all our homes meet the spirit of the agreement and provide
safe, inviting entryways.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Drees Premier Homes
900 E. 96th St
Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3878
Phone 317-347-7300
Fax 317-295-7107
dreeshomes.com
Statement of Variance Request
Drees Homes is seeking a reduction in the required 6' porch depth. We would like to request
that the required depth of the porch be reduced to 4', which would allow us to offer several
more plans and elevations and create a wider variety of homes in the neighborhood.
Statement of Support
The current language regarding front porches is:
1. Porches shall be required on all Dwellings and shall be a minimum of six (6) feet deep.
2. Porches and/or entryways shall be clearly defined and should be visible as the main
focus of the front fagade.
3. Porches and/or entryways shall be delineated by elements such as pilaster, sidelights,
columns, railings, etc.
It appears the intent is to make sure builders are emphasizing the front elements of the home
and that the porch/entry architecture adds value and enhances the overall look of the home.
This keeps builders from trying to cut costs by having just a slab of concrete with no
architectural features, which we completely agree with.
We pride ourselves on our elevations which in all cases include significant front porch elements
that we believe meet, and even exceed, the requirements and the intent outlined, with the
exception, in some cases, of the 6' porch. The language doesn't clearly say the 6' has to be
covered but simply needs some elements to show it as 6' deep. Many of our covered areas are
4' and we can easily add 2' of concrete to make the porch itself 6. The complication comes
into play if we need to add 2' to the covered area. That just isn't possible on some elevations.
One option would be to put railing extending from the current covered porch area to meet the
requirement, but we don't think that adds value to the home, nor works with the elevation
style.
Requiring 6' also limits the number of elevations we can build, therefore creating redundancy
within the neighborhood which we don't feel benefits anyone. It's our objective to build as
many different elevations as possible.
We believe our elevations meet exactly what the City wants to see when it comes to improved
architecture and enhancing the front of the home. We can make the concrete area always be 6'
feet, but we simply can't redesign our elevations to add 2 more feet to those porches that
already have significant architectural features.