HomeMy WebLinkAboutDepartment Report 05-09-24
2
Carmel Plan Commission
COMMITTEE
Thursday, May 9, 2024 Department Report
2. Docket No. PZ-2024-00041 OA: Non-Dwelling Short-Term Rental Standards UDO Amendment
The applicant seeks amend the Unified Development Ordinance to establish standards and definitions for Non-
Dwelling Short-Term Rentals. Filed by the Department of Community Services on behalf of the Carmel Plan
Commission.
Project Overview: Please view the April 16 Plan Commission meeting informational packet for the proposed
ordinance amendment.
Code Enforcement History:
As of the time of this report, there are 5 residential pools offered for rent in Carmel on the Swimply web platform. While
offerings come and go, 4 of the 5 current listings appear to have been previously active based on user reviews (ranging
from 2-17 reviews each). To date in 2024, the Code Enforcement division has not received any complaints although it is
early in the season. However, over the past couple of summer seasons DOCS along with City Council members have
received several reports and questions related to parking, noise and trespassing at the same pool rental.
Committee Discussion Focus:
As stated in the Plan Commission presentation, many of the standards have been drafted (e.g. hours of operation from
10am-8pm), and others left open for discussion (e.g. number of rentals per day/week/month). Of course, the entire
proposal is open for discussion and questions, but we would particularly like the Committee to discuss Section D:
Limitations, beginning on line 118 of the draft.
April 16, 2024, Plan Commission Meeting Recap:
Staff summarized the emergence of private residential rental platforms which now feature the hourly rental of pools and
other backyard facilities along with growing concerns from neighbors regarding the quite enjoyment of their properties.
The proposed ordinance would add a new definition, standards and an approval process for what would be called “Non-
Dwelling Short-Term Rentals,” which closely mirrors the format of the previously adopted Short-Term Residential
Rentals. While the definition, special exception approval process, and some standards have been proposed in the
ordinance, staff would like for the Committee to help determine some reasonable limitations such as the number of
rentals, or if additional setbacks would be appropriate. City Councilor Jeff Worrell and other members of the public spoke
generally in favor of the proposal and encouraged communication. Three of the speakers shared some of their experiences
with a pool rental in their neighborhood, which has received complaints in recent years. Members of the Plan
Commission had questions about the relation of this ordinance to corporate owned properties, HOA covenants,
applicability to PUDs, and how to communicate the proposal to residents. The ordinance was sent to the combined Plan
Commission Committee with final voting authority.
Recommendation:
The Department of Community Services recommends this ordinance be sent to the City Council with a Favorable
Recommendation once appropriate standards and limitations have been determined; if additional discussion is needed, it
should remain in committee for further review and discussion at the June 4th meeting.
There is no hard deadline on this proposal so the Committee is encouraged to take as much time as needed to put our best
draft forward; however, we should be cognizant of the approaching summer season.