HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket for BZA 10-23-23GRAMERCY WEST DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE RE VEST
Project information
Weekley Homes, LLC d/b/a David Weekley Homes is the sole builder with the Gramercy West
development in Carmel, Indiana which includes 239 townhomes, high density and standard single-family
homes. To date, Weekley Homes, LLC has built and sold 136 homes and townhomes in this
development and currently has approximately 103 homes and townhomes to build in sell. Sections 3 &
4 of this neighborhood is nearing completion and sales for these homes have commenced.
Statement of Variance Reauest
The Gramercy West PUD Ordinance was approved by the City of Carmel City Council on April 6, 2018.
The guidelines of the PUD (In Section 6.2C) prohibits Weekley Homes, LLC from installing gravel in the
side yards of the high density "C" and "D" homes. Since construction commenced in 2020, Weekley
Homes, LLC has installed turf sod in the side yards of the "C" and "D" homes and after close to three
years, with only six feet between these homes this turf sod does not thrive because of the lack of
sunshine and other nutrients which leaves these side yards looking barren and not aesthetically
pleasing. We are requesting through the development standards variance to allow us the option to
install decorative gravel in the side yards of the remaining "C" and "D" homes to be constructed and
sold in this neighborhood (approximately 46 homes).
Statement of Support
Weekley Homes, LLC would like to install the decorative gravel to allow its future homeowners to enjoy
a more aesthetically pleasing landscape view between the high density "C" and "D" homes. With only six
feet between homes, the majority of the general public will not be affected nor injured by the
installation of this decorative gravel. In addition, we have discussed this request with Carmel Forestry
staff recently and they concur that the turf sod does not live well, and the installation of decorative
gravel is a good alternative ground covering in the side yards. Finally although Carmel Planning Staff
suggested Weekley Homes, LLC install shrubs and tall grasses to block the view of the decorative gravel
from the passing streets of the homes, the Weekley Homes, LLC landscaping company, Landscape
Designs of Indianapolis, Inc. does not recommend installing either of these items in the center line of the
side yards. In their opinion, this is to prevent any obstruction of water to drain from the side yards.
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FINDINGS OF FACT SHEET - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS VARIANCE
CARMEL ADVISORY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
(Petitioner fills out 1-3, and first 2 blanks)
Docket No.: PZ-2023-00212V
Petitioner: David Weekley Homes
1. The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the
community because:
Installing gravel in the side yards will have no effect on the items noted above.
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:
The current sod that has been installed in the side yards of the homes cannot thrive because of the lack of sun, water and other
Nutrients to it. Installing gravel between these homes in Gramercy West is the best alternative to installing sod here.
3. The strict application of the terms of the Unified Development Ordinance to the property will result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property because:
The sod noted above does not thrive in the side yards of these homes after being installed and when it dies, it leaves the side yards
looking not aesthetically pleasing to the neighbors and their neighborhood.
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
CHAIRPERSON, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
SECRETARY, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals
r�
Conditions of approval of the Board, if any, are listed on the Letter of Grant.
Page 8 of 12 File: development standards variance handout 2023 Revised 02/03/2023
Freeman, Edward
From: Freeman, Edward
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2023 8:37 AM
To: Freeman, Edward
Subject: Gramercy Side Swale Grade/Landscape recommendation
From: Landscape Designs of Indianapolisinc <landsca Pedesi ns comcast.net>
Date: October 11, 2023 at 1:39:12 PM EDT
To: "Robinson, Brian" <BRobinson dwhomes.com>
Subject: Gramercy Side Swale Grade/Landscape recommendation
Good Afternoon,
In regards to installing landscape on the side yard of the homes in Gramercy West, we
do not recommend installing any plant material in the center line of the side swale. This
is to prevent any obstruction of water to drain from the side yards. Screening of the side
yard can be obtained if plant material is installed at the rear of the units by the
foundation/garage and allow the material to grow into a natural screen.
John Floor
Landscape Designs of Indianapolis, Inc
PO Box 774 Westfield, IN 46074
***This email originated from a non David Weekley Homes email address***
Freeman, Edward
From: Mindham, Daren <dmindham@carmel.in.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 1:52 PM
To: Freeman, Edward
Cc: Harvey, Daniel
Subject: RE: Gramercy West PUD
Attachments: Gramercy River Rock Limits.pdf; Gramercy Landscape Aggregate Cross Section.pdf
Ed,
I mentioned I understood the thought behind the request, but as a City of Carmel DOCS staff person, I tend to stay
neutral on variance requests on non -tree related concerns.
I also mentioned if these areas have utility hookups or air conditioners off -set that those areas could be rocked with
grass on the ends up to that point as a good middle ground.
Please consider me neutral on this variance request.
�%JV I Daren Mindham
..K�ccaV
Environmental Planner
City of Carmel, Indiana
317-571-2283
From: Freeman, Edward <EFreeman@dwhomes.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 10:44 AM
To: Mindham, Daren <dmindham@carmel.in.gov>
Cc: Harvey, Daniel <DHarvey@dwhomes.com>
Subject: Gramercy West PUD
Hi Daren:
My team-mate, Daniel Harvey, informed me that you two had spoken recently about our issues with installing sod
between our high density homes in Gramercy West. He went on to say that when you two discussed us installing stone
between these homes in our new section that you would support this change going forward. I have been working with
Angie Conn in the Carmel Planning Department on getting this change to our PUD made through a BZA Development
Standards Variance and would like to add your support to the Findings of Fact worksheet I plan to submit for the
upcoming BZA meeting on October 23, 2023. With this said, are you good with me including you as a supporter of
Weekley Homes installing stone between our homes versus sod for the remainder of the 46' lots in this
neighborhood? Attached is the proposed revised landscape plan that I have submitted to Angie already for our BZA
hearing.
When time permits, please email me back your questions to our request and if you are good with me including your
support.
Thanks in advance for your time and assistance in this matter.
Ed Freeman