HomeMy WebLinkAboutApplicationPage 1 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 12/15/2020
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE APPLICATION – HEARING OFFICER
FEES: Single Family (Primary Residence) $187 for the first variance plus $109 for each additional section of the
ordinance being varied. Commercial and Other $763 for the first variance plus $378 for each additional
section of the ordinance being varied.
DOCKET NO. ________________________________ DATE RECEIVED:_______________________________
1) Applicant: _____________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
2) Project Name: __________________________________________ Phone: ________________________
Engineer/Architect:______________________________________ Phone: _________________________
Attorney:_______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________
Contact Person:__________________________________________Phone:________________________
Email:_______________________________________________________________________________
ProjectDox Uploader:____________________________________Phone:_____________________
Email:_______________________________________________________________________________
3) Applicant's Status: (Check the appropriate response)
______ (a) The applicant's name is on the deed to the property ______ (b) The applicant is the contract
purchaser of the property. (c) Other: __________________________________________________
4) If Item 3) (c) is checked, please complete the following:
Owner of the property involved: __________________________________________________________
Owner's address: __________________________________________ Phone:_____________________
5) Record of Ownership: Deed Book No./Instrument No.___________________________________________
Page: ______________________ Purchase date: _____________________________________________
6) Common Address of subject property: ______________________________________________________
Legal Description: ______________________________________________________________________
Tax Parcel ID No.: ____________________________________________________________________
7) Explanation of Development Standards Variance request: (State what you want to do and cite the section
number(s) of the Unified Development Ordinance that applies and/or creates the need for this request).
8) State reasons supporting the Variance: (Additionally, complete the attached question sheet entitled "Findings
of Fact-Development Standards Variance").
Office Use Only
Page 2 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 12/15/2020
9) Present zoning classification of the property: _________________________________________________
9a) Overlay Zone of property (if applicable):___________________________________________________
10) Size of lot/parcel in question:_____________________________________________________acres/sq. ft.
11) Present use of property: ______________________________________________________________
12) Describe proposed use of property: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
13) Is the property: Owner occupied __________ Renter occupied _________ Other ___________________
14) Are there any restrictions, laws, covenants, variances, special uses, or appeals filed in connection with this
property that would relate or affect its use for the specific purpose of this application? If yes, give date and
docket number, instrument no., decision rendered and pertinent explanation. ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
15) Has work for which this application is being filed already started? If answer is yes, give details:
Building Permit Number: _________________________________________________________________
Builder: ______________________________________________________________________________
16) If proposed appeal is granted, when will the work commence?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
17) If the proposed variance is granted, who will operate and/or use the proposed improvement for which this
application has been filed?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: Three modes of public notice are required.
LEGAL NOTICE shall be published in the NEWSPAPER according to the Chart on page 5 a
MANDATORY 10 days prior to the public hearing date. The certified "Proof of Publication" affidavit for the
newspaper must be available for inspection by the night of the hearing.
LEGAL NOTICE to all adjoining and abutting property owners is also MANDATORY, two methods of notice
are recommended:
1) FIRST CLASS MAIL with CERTIFICATE OF MAILING sent to adjoining property owners. (The white
receipt should be stamped by the Post Office at least 10 days prior to the public hearing date), OR
2) HAND DELIVERED to adjoining and abutting property owners (A receipt signed by the adjoining and
abutting property owner acknowledging the 10 day prior notice should be kept for verification that the notice was
completed)
LEGAL NOTICE via a Notice of Public Hearing SIGN posted on the property is also required; see Page 7.
THE BURDEN OF PROOF FOR ALL NOTICES IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT.
The applicant understands that docket numbers will not be assigned until all supporting information has been
submitted to the Department of Community Services.
Applicant Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: __________________
The applicant certifies by signing this application that he/she has been advised that all representation s of the Dept.
of Community Services are advisory only and that the applicant should rely on appropriate Unified Development
Ordinance standards and/or the legal advice of his/her attorney.
Page 3 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
AFFIDAVIT
I hereby swear that I am the owner/contract purchaser of property involved in this application and that the foregoing
signatures, statements and answers herein contained and the information herewith submitted are in all respects true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I, the undersigned, au thorize the applicant to act on my behalf
with regard to this application and subsequent hearings and testimony.
Signed Name: ________________________________________
(Property Owner, Attorney, or Power of Attorney)
Printed Name: _______________________________________
STATE OF INDIANA
SS:
County of ________________________________________________ Before me the undersigned, a Notary Public
(County in which notarization takes place)
for __________________________________________ County, State of Indiana, personally appeared
(Notary Public's county of residence)
____________________________________________ and acknowledge the execution of the foregoing instrument
(Property Owner, Attorney, or Power of Attorney)
this ____________ day of ___________________________________, 20________.
(date) (month) (year)
_________________________________________
Notary Public--Signature
(SEAL)
_________________________________________
Notary Public--Please Print
My commission expires: _________________________________
Page 4 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
INSTRUCTIONS - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE HEARING OFFICER
1. Please allow plenty of time for Department of Community Services (DOCS) staff review and the Board of
Zoning Appeals (BZA) approval process (approximately 25-45 days). Discuss the proposed Variance with the
DOCS staff at a pre-submittal meeting; please contact us for an appointment: 317 -571-2417, or Third Floor
Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square, Carmel.
2. Please note that only electronic submittals are accepted and must be filed via the Public Portal. Then, after an
email invite from Avolve/ePlan are plans are to be submitted electronically through ProjectDox, Carmel’s
ePlan review software. Please see the ProjectDox PC & BZA user guide for more info on the process & what
needs to be submitted.
3. INFORMATION NEEDED for formal DOCS staff and BZA review:
a. Electronic copy of the filled out and completed application (available from the DOCS website), with legal
description(s) included or attached. (Submitted via Public Portal)
b. Electronic copy of a location map showing location of site in question, zoning, and existing la nd use of
adjacent properties. See GIS Maps link on the DOCS webpage as an option. (Submitted through
ProjectDox)
c. Electronic copies of all plans depicting all existing and proposed structures, all exterior architectural
building elevations, landscaping, drainage, lighting, signage, and any other supporting documentation to
fully understand the proposal (Submitted through ProjectDox)
d. Electronic copy of adjacent property owners list certified by the Hamilton County Auditor’s Office.
(Submitted through ProjectDox)
4. Once the application is emailed to DOCS, a docket number will be released, and you will receive an email from
Avolve/ePlan to upload the site plans and other drawings to ProjectDox. The above referenced information must be
submitted to the DOCS at least 28 days prior to the hearing date. Within 10 days of filing, the application will be
reviewed by staff and correspondence outlining the deficiencies will be emailed to the petitioner, or a docket number
will be assigned, as well as a list of dates and deadlines related to the petition. (A docket number will not be relea sed
until all deficiencies are addressed).
5. The Notice of Public Hearing must be mailed by First Class mail via Certificate of Mailing to all adjacent
property owners (not certified mail with return receipt). A public notice legal ad must also be published in the
required newspaper according to the Chart on Pg. 5 a mandatory minimum of 10 days prior to the public
hearing date. Lastly, a public hearing sign must be posted on the property (see pg. 7.)
6. After final review, the petitioner needs to pay the required filling fee before the item will be added to the official
BZA Hearing Officer meeting agenda. The filing fee is due at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
7. At least 10 days prior to the hearing, the petitioner must submit electronic copies of their proof of
publication(s), proof of adjacent property owners mailings notice, completed Petitioner's Affidavit of Notice of
Public Hearing (pg. 9), and Board member's Info Packets to DOCS.
Also, 1 electronic copy of the Info Packet is required that same day. The following is the suggested order
and list of items that should be included in the Board Members’ Info Packet:
a- Finding of Facts (ballot sheet, pg. 10) d- Statement of Support (short paragraph)
b- Finding of Facts (question sheet, pg. 11) e- Location Map
c- Statement of Variance (short paragraph) f- Reductions of all plans (site, drainage, landscaping, signage,
lighting, architecture, etc.)
8. Note: At least 5 days prior to the BZA meeting, Planning Staff will release the BZA Dept. Reports which includes
analyses of the petitions, as well as vote recommendations.
9. The property owner, property owner's Attorney, or someone with the property owner's Power of Attorney must
be present at the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer public hearing to speak and make a
presentation.
10. Generally, variance applications are acted upon by the Board in one meeting. However, the Hearing Officer
may, at its discretion, table an item at any time.
11. The full Board of Zoning Appeals (usually) meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00pm, Virtually. And,
BZA Hearing Officer meetings are held on the same evening, immediately prior to the regular meeting (usually
at 5 / 5:30 pm), Virtually.
Page 5 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION (LEGAL AD) - NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Per Article VI, Section 3 of the BZA Rules of Procedure, a legal notice shall be published in the Current in Carmel
newspaper. However, affected areas located within a non-Carmel postal ZIP code (Westfield, Zionsville,
Indianapolis) must place a legal notice in the corresponding city’s newspaper. Refer to the chart below to find what
publications to notify based upon the corresponding ZIP code. (Please note: subject sites located on the border
between a Carmel and a non-Carmel zip code must make legal ad notice to two newspapers – The Current
& The Indianapolis Star.)
Zip Code Publication
46032 or 46033
Current in Carmel
46074
Current in Westfield
46077
Current in Zionsville
46240, 46260, 46268, 46280, or 46290
Indianapolis Star
Page 6 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS LIST
I, _____(Auditor’s Name)_____________________, Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana, certify that the attached
list is a true and complete listing of the adjoining and adjacent property owners of the property described herew ith.
OWNER ADDRESS
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana--Signature Date
EXAMPLE ONLY:
Formal list request sheet & official list
may be acquired from the Hamilton
County Real Property Dept. (317-770-
4412 or hamiltoncounty.in.gov). Please
allow 3 to 5 days for Hamilton County to
complete your request.
Page 7 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
BZA Public Notice Sign Procedure & Affidavit:
Procedure:
The petitioner shall incur the cost of the purchasing, placing, and removing the sign. The sign must be
placed in a highly visible and legible location from the road on the property that is involved with the public
hearing.
The public notice sign shall meet the following requirements:
1. Must be placed on the subject property no less than 10 days prior to the public hearing date.
2. Sign must follow the sign design requirements:
• Must be 24” x 36” – vertical
• Must be double sided
• Must be composed of weather resistant
material, such as corrugated plastic or
laminated poster board
• Must be mounted in a heavy-duty metal frame
3. The sign must contain the following:
• 12” x 24” PMS 1805 Red box with white text
at the top
• White background with black text below.
• Text used in example to the right, with
Application Type, Date*, and Time of subject
public hearing
* The Date should be written in day, month,
and date format. Example: “Mon., Jan. 23”
4. The sign must be removed within 72 hours of
public hearing conclusion
Public Notice Sign Placement Affidavit:
I (We) do hereby certify that placement of the public notice sign to
consider Docket No.___________________ was placed on the subject property at least 10 days prior to
the date of the public hearing, at the address listed below:
STATE OF INDIANA, COUNTY OF , SS:
The undersigned, having been duly sworn, upon oath says that the above information is true and correct
as he is informed and believes.
(Petitioner’s Signature)
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of , 20 .
Notary Public, Signed Name: _______________________________
Notary Public, Printed Name: _______________________________
My Commission Expires: .
Virtual Mtg.
Page 8 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
(Template to use for published and mailed Public Notice)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Docket No. _________________
Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the (date) day of
(month), (year) at (time) p.m will hold a Virtual Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application
to:
(Explain your request - see question number 7 on page 1)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
At property being known as (address): ____________________________________________________________.
The application is identified as Docket No. ______________________________________________.
The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: (Insert Legal Description OR Tax ID parcel
number(s))__________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laser Fiche.
This will be a virtual meeting based at Carmel City Hall. It is recommended that persons wishing to view this
meeting do so online via Carmelspeaks.org. All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above
application are encouraged to submit written comments, up to 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, via email to Joe
Shestak administrative assistant: jshestak@carmel.in.gov.
_______________________________
PETITIONERS
(Note: When mailing out public notices to adjacent property owners, it is recommended that you include a location map,
as well.)
Page 9 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
PETITIONER'S AFFIDAVIT OF NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
I (WE) ___________________________________________________ DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT NOTICE OF
(Petitioner's Name)
PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS CONSIDERING DOCKET NO.
______________________, WAS REGISTERED AND MAILED AT LEAST 10* DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF
THE PUBLIC HEARING TO THE BELOW LISTED ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:
OWNER ADDRESS
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
STATE OF INDIANA
SS:
The undersigned, having been duly sworn upon oath says that the above information is true and correct and he is
informed and believes.
______________________________________
(Signature of Petitioner)
County of ______________________________________________Before me the undersigned, a Notary Public
(County in which notarization takes place)
for __________________________________________ County, State of Indiana, personally appeared
(Notary Public's county of residence)
____________________________________________ and acknowledge the execution of the foregoing instrument
(Property Owner, Attorney, or Power of Attorney)
this ____________ day of ___________________________________, 20_________.
(day) (month) (year)
_______________________________________
Notary Public--Signature
(SEAL)
________________________________________
Notary Public--Please Print
My commission expires: ______________________________________
*Only 10 days prior public notice required for a BZA Hearing Officer Meetings
Page 10 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
BALLOT SHEET: FINDINGS OF FACT, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE
CARMEL ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
(Petitioner to fill out 1st two blanks only)
Docket No.: ______________________________________________
Petitioner: ______________________________________________
1.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
2.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
DATED THIS ________________ DAY OF ______________________________________, 20 ___________.
______________________________________________
Board Member
Page 11 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
FINDINGS OF FACT SHEET - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE
CARMEL ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
(Petitioner to fill out 1-3 + first two blanks)
Docket No.: _______________________________________________
Petitioner: _______________________________________________
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of
the community because:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. The strict application of the terms of the Unified Development to the property will result in practical difficulties
in the use of the property because:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
DECISION
IT IS THEREFORE the decision of the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals that Development Standards Variance
Docket No. ___________________________ 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 _______.
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
HEARING OFFICER, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
SECRETARY, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Conditions of approval of the Board, if any, are listed on the Letter of Grant.
Page 12 of 12 Filename: Hearing Officer Development Standards Variance Application & Instructions 2021 Revised 1/2/20
CHECKLIST
Development Standards Variance Hearing Officer Application
Applications must include the following applicable materials:
□ Electronic copy of completed application (with legible text), signed by the owner of the subject
property or an authorized agent, notarized, and filed at least 45 days prior to the next scheduled
public hearing.
□ Electronic copy of Owner Affidavit (page 3)
□ Electronic copy of Adjacent Property Owners list certified by the Hamilton County Auditor’s
Office. Formal list request sheet & official list may be acquired from the Hamilton County Real
Property Dept. (317-770-4412 or hamiltoncounty.in.gov). Please allow 3 to 5 days for Hamilton
County to complete your request.
□ Electronic copy of Site Plan (with dimensions) that includes:
1. Existing and proposed principal structures and accessory structures.
2. Parking plan (automobiles & bicycles).
3. Signage plan.
4. Lighting plan, if applicable
5. Existing and proposed public rights of way (internal and adjoining).
6. Location of easements (utility, drainage, landscape, access, etc.)
7. Building setback lines.
8. Building coverage calculation, and
9. Existing and proposed utility structures and systems.
□ Electronic copy of exterior architectural building elevations and/or photo examples of subject site
and/or buildings.
□ When applicable, prepare an electronic copy of an estimated construction cost to comply with the
Transportation Plan per UDO Section 1.07(E) (Contact City Engineering Dept. for more detail, at
317-571-2441.)
□ Electronic copy of Covenants and Commitments, if any.
□ When applicable, electronic copies of service reports/correspondence from TAC (Technical Advisory
Committee) members.
All documents must be legible and of the required size and scale. The omission of any of the material indicated in
the above checklist may lead to your petition being placed on a later docket or not accepted for filing.