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CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS REGULAR MEETING
DEPARTMENT REPORT
MONDAY, JULY 24 2023
(V) Nessem Accessory Building Variance (Appeal).
The applicant seeks the following development standards variance approval:
2. Docket No. PZ-2023-00126 V UDO Section 5.02(B)(3) – Additional 20’x 30’ detached
accessory structure requested. The combined square footage of the ground floor area of garages
and/or accessory buildings shall not exceed 75% of the principal building’s ground floor area, 102%
requested. The site is located at 511 E. 111th St. (College Heights Subdivision, Lot 76) and is zoned
R3/Residence. Filed by Rob Thomas of Thomas Law Group, LLC on behalf of Sheref Nessem, owner.
General Info:
• The Petitioner proposes to build an additional detached accessory building on the lot, just south of the
existing detached garage.
• A privacy fence surrounds the back yard area.
• Single family homes surround the subject site.
• Please see the Petitioner’s info packet for more detail on the variance request.
Variance Requested:
Garage Size -
• Per the Unified Development Ordinance, the combined square footage of the ground floor area of garages
and/or accessory buildings shall not exceed 75% of the ground floor area of the principal building, and 102%
requested. This is an increase of 27%.
• An additional 20’ x 30’ detached accessory building is requested (a 600 sq. ft. accessory structure).
• A 24’ x 30’detached garage already exists on the site (a 720 sq. ft. accessory structure).
• The ground floor area of the house is around 1,300 sq. ft.
• The structure will meet all other development standards, such as for setbacks, lot coverage, height, etc.
• The exterior of the accessory structure will match the existing house.
Review Comments:
• The Petitioner addressed all planning/zoning review comments related to this BZA request.
Final Comments:
• The BZA should inquire about the current use of the property and structures, as well as future plans for them.
• The Carmel Code Enforcement Dept. has been in communication with the property owner about the use of
the property.
• There is some concern about this property being used for more than a single family dwelling and/or Home
Occupation.
• The Home Occupation standards are listed in UDO Section 5.18, and they are also listed below. (One of the
Excluded uses is Major appliance repair or services.)
• There is some concern about the residential character of the Dwelling/Lot changing.
• The March 2023 aerial photo, below, shows outdoor storage behind the house, behind the privacy fence. The
proposed structure will help with storage of items ‘out of sight’.
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5.18 HO-01: Home Occupation Standards
These Home Occupation Standards (HB) apply to the following zoning
districts:
A. General:
1. Floor Area: Home Occupations shall utilize no more than 15% of the
gross floor area of the dwelling.
2. Character:
a. The Home Occupation shall not change the character of the Dwelling,
Lot, or parcel;
b. The Dwelling shall not bear any indication from the exterior that it is
being utilized in whole or in part for
any purpose other than a Dwelling;
c. The Home Occupation shall not be permitted outside storage or
display of materials in connection with the
Home Occupation;
d. The Home Occupation shall be permitted signage per Article 5,
Section 5.39.
3. Nuisance: The Home Occupation shall be conducted wholly within
the Dwelling, such that there is no outside noise, vibration, odor, smoke,
dust, glare or electrical disturbance.
4. Employees: The Home Occupation shall employ no more than one
(1) individual outside of the immediate
family.
5. Deliveries: The delivery of any materials for the Home Occupation
shall not exceed two (2) trips per day by any vehicle not owned by a
family member.
6. Equipment: The Home Occupation shall utilize only mechanical
equipment that is customarily used for domestic purposes and is of a
size and type that is similar to domestic mechanical equipment or is
customarily found in a business office.
B. Excluded Uses:
1. Antique or gift shop;
2. Serving of food or beverages;
3. Animal hospital or commercial kennel;
4. Automobile repair;
5. Major appliance repair or services; and
6. Any processing or manufacturing that produces noxious materials or products.
Findings of Fact:
• Please refer to the Petitioner’s Findings of Facts included in their BZA Info Packet.
Recommendation:
• The Dept. of Community Services (DOCS) recommends the Board considers the request, and if approved,
adopts the Findings of Fact submitted by the Petitioner.