HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket for HO 10-28-22Memorandum
Docket No: PZ-2022-00213
Subject: Variance request under UDO 2.09 Short Term Residential Rental (STRR)
Petitioner: Thomas and Karyn Elliott
10828 Timber Lane
Carmel, IN 46032
S6 T17 r4 Jordan Woods 3 Lot #95
17-14-06-04-01-013.000
Statement of Special Exemption Request
Thomas and Karyn Elliott, owner of the property located at 10828 Timber Lane, would like
request a Special Exemption to periodically use our entire home for Short Term Residential
Rental.
Statement of Support
Special Exception - Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
Docket No.: PZ-2022-00213 Petitioner: Thomas and Karen Elliott
Our primary residence, located at 10828 Timber Lane, is a 4br 3bath home originally built in 1967. We have
lived there since July of 1995 and raised 3 sons, 2 of which still live in the area with their growing families. In
2019 we had a decision to either do minimal repairs to our home and then move to another home with a
modern gathering space to accommodate our large family or renovate and stay in this location. We chose to
stay and put thousands into extensive external and internal renovations to make it a home that would host
our family gatherings and have amenities we have enjoyed over the years at vacation spots. We hope to
inspire others on our street to perhaps follow suite to continue raising property values. This is a great
neighborhood.
We had no intentions to rent our property until recently. Karyn's father became ill and died quickly last year
of cancerjust after Thanksgiving. Her mom (86) survives and lives in Florida. We, especially Karyn, has had to
make several trips to help out her elderly parents. This Thanksgiving is her first as a widow, after 67 years of
marriage, and will be especially difficult for her. She was also in a car accident recently and requires our help.
We have decided to have an extended stay in Florida this winter because her doctor will not allow her to
travel north in the winter and since we both can work remotely. So we thought of renting to subsidize travel
expenses as well as having our home not set idle.
• We are requesting approval of our Special Exception application to allow for the use of the entire dwelling.
We estimate the number of guests from 2-8 with length of stay 2-3 nights, once a month.
• An SE (Docket# 19100024) was already approved on February 24, 2020 for a neighbor, the Westrick's, at 103
Jordan Court. However, the Westrick's have moved, and that property is no longer operating as an SE - STRR.
Therefore, the approval of our SE would simply replace the board's prior decision to approve an SE -STRR in this
location and will NOT be adding another SE — STRR to our community.
• We do not have an active homeowner's association, nothing prohibits STRR.
• We have the support of several neighbors who are glad we have made the decision to be with Karyn's mom
during these next few months. We feel our request is reasonable — Karyn's mom needs assistance; and we do
not want our beautiful newly renovated home to set empty during the winter. An empty home would not only
be detrimental for function, but it could also attract criminal mischief.
• We also would appreciate an SE — STRR classification to help offset expenses as we did not anticipate extreme
renovation and travel expenses at the same time. We would also like to apply money towards future home
improvements.
• The guests that our home will attract are families that specifically desire a private, quiet, safe, and contained
residential experience to blend into the community. Our guests will be visiting family/friends, attending travel
team sports events, may need to follow the CDC recommendation for safer, private lodging due to
comorbidities, and may even be looking to potentially relocate to Carmel! We will know the intention of the
visit and who will be coming and will ensure that their presence will not disturb our home or neighborhood.
• We will protect our investment with strict guidelines and monitoring. These guidelines include, but are not
limited to, quiet hours, no smoking, no pets, no parties, no events, and no candles. All guests will be monitored
closely by Kristine, a trusted, responsible friend and Carmel resident, who lives 5 minutes from our home as well
as our two sons. Additionally, we have 5 exterior security cameras with 24/7 surveillance.
• While we understand and appreciate the desire to limit the overflow of STRR opportunities in Carmel, we also
feel that Carmel should allow a few AirBnb opportunities in various regions of our city in order to keep up the
modern expectations which appeal to today's travelers.
• Our driveway is 35' by 45' and will easily accommodate parking. There will be no reason to park on the street.
We also have a large, fenced in back yard and will easily accommodate children playing. There will be no reason
for guests to be on the street especially during the winter months!
• Our trusted friend, Kristine who lives 5 minutes away, offered to keep an eye on our home and host guests, if
and when rented. Our sons will also keep a watchful eye along with our supportive neighbors.
• Kristine is an experienced owner/operator of a highly successful AirBnb in MI
• Since purchasing her South Haven property and meticulous care, it has become the highest valued property on
the street and neighboring home values have dramatically increased.
• Only 5 start reviews attest to her professionalism and expertise on what it takes to manage a STRR responsibly.
• Kristine will know who is coming, and what the intention of the visit will be. All renters will be informed that this
is a quiet, residential neighborhood and will know to act accordingly.
• She will visit the home frequently to ensure guests adhere to strict guidelines including but not limited to quiet
hours, no smoking, no pets, no parties, no events, no flames and no street parking.
• Kristine will work hard to ensure the best experience for Tom and Karyn while they are helping Karyn's mom,
their neighbors while they are away, and their guests, if and when rented
• Kristine will know first hand of any external or internal situations that require attention and will immediately
tend to any house maintenance or mechanical issues.
• She understands that this is Tom and Karyn's primary residence and will ensure the upkeep and well-being of
their home and those surrounding them.
• Our home is covered by a $1million insurance policy is provided through AirBnb as well as an additional umbrella
policy.
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FINDINGS OF FACT - SPECIAL EXCEPTION
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
(Petitioner tills out 1-3 + first 2 blanks)
Docket No.: _PZ-2022-00213 SE
Petitioner: _Thomas and Karyn Elliott
The approval of this Special Exception will not negatively affect surrounding property values because:
_We started and completed extensive renovations within the last 2 years and wish to preserve our investment. _
.An STRR was already approved in our neighborhood 2020 Docket 19100024 SE. The owner has since moved so our home
would be replacing the boards prior approval. .
_Nothing negative was ever noticed. Strict guidelines also must be adhered to. _(See Statement of Support for additional info)_
2. This Special Exception will be compatible with existing land uses in the neighborhood because:
_Only highly rated renters/families of 2-8 persons will be allowed. _No parties and quiet hours.
_We frequently have family gatherings at our home and should appear no different when being rented. _
_(See Statement of Support for additional info)
Vehicular and pedestrian traffic in and around the premises will not be substantially affected by this Special Exception because:
_Our 35' x 45' driveway will easily accommodate parking._
_Our backyard is large and fenced in. There will be no reason for guests to be on the street.
DECISION
Yes No: The Board has reviewed the requirements of LIDO Section 5.72 as they relate to this Special Exception, and does not
find that those criteria prevent the granting of the Special Exception.
IT IS THEREFORE the decision of the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals that Special Exception Docket No. PZ-2022-00018 SE
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
CHAIRPERSON, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
JtcKE I ARY, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
20
Conditions of approval of the Board, if any, are listed in the Letter of Grant.
Page 7 of 11 Filename: special exception handout 2022_strr Rev. 01/03/2022