HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned - Culvers Variance Request 11-15-2022
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Allan H. Weihe, P.E., L.S. - Founder
November 15, 2022
Engineering Department
City of Carmel
1 Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
Attn: Jeremy Kashman, P.E.
Re: Variance request for Section 305.05
Weihe Engineers Inc. has reviewed the existing drainage infrastructure in place in and around the
proposed redevelopment project for Culver’s located at 431 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032,
Indiana. On behalf of the project owners, we are respectfully requesting a variance from the requirements
of section 305.05 of the City of Carmel Stormwater Technical Standards Manual. Please refer to the
attached drainage report and exhibits for the following discussion.
The existing development on the property utilized on-site storm sewers and a detention basin to manage
stormwater. The survey of the property shows that the existing storm sewer was adequate for collecting
and routing runoff water to the detention basin. However, the survey also makes it apparent that the on-
site grading did not allow for emergency overflow routing to remain on the property. In the event of a
clogged storm sewer inlet, runoff water was routed onto the adjoining property to the east (Fazoli’s). The
off-site emergency routing did not impact the building on the adjoining property and was contained in the
parking lot. It traveled south to north and either entered into the Fazoli’s storm sewer or exited the
property at the shared access onto Carmel Dr. There is an existing ingress / egress easement at the
overflow point, however there are no existing stormwater easements between the properties.
The proposed redevelopment project will demolish the existing car wash facility and construct a new
Culver’s restaurant. The property is surrounded by existing developments on all sides and must maintain
the existing shared access and cross access drives. Additionally, the new building must adhere to the
current standards for Minimum Lowest Adjacent Grade (MLAG) and Minimum Flood Protection Grade
(MFPG).
The existing grading restraints combined with the current grading requirements creates a similar flood
routing situation to the previous development. In the event that proposed storm sewer inlet 105 is
completely clogged, the emergency flood routing from that stormwater catchment must route onto the
adjoining Fazoli’s property to the east. The proposed flood routing will follow the same path as the
previous development’s overflow routing. The emergency flood route will not impact any structures and
will either be captured by the Fazoli’s storm sewer or exit onto Carmel Dr through the shared access.
Since the offsite stormwater routing for the proposed conditions will match those of the existing
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conditions, we do not feel that a stormwater easement on the Fazoli’s property should be required for the
proposed Culver’s development.
Based on these factors, we respectfully request a variance from the requirements of Section 305.05 to
allow this emergency stormwater routing without an easement.
Thank you,
Steven Scott Rucker, P.E.
Engineer, Commercial Development