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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExplanation of RequestStatement of Support Special Exception - Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Docket No.: PZ-2022-00213 Petitioner: Thomas and Karyn 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 cancer just 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.