HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter to property owners
City of Carmel
November 9,2007
Property Owner:
As a property owner along Carmel Drive andlor Range Line Road, this letter is to inform you
of a public hearing taking place at an upcoming Carmel City Council meeting regarding the Carmel
Drive - Range Line Road Overlay Zone. The purpose of the hearing is to provide the public an
opportunity to address the Council regarding a proposal, Ordinance Z-513-07, to extend the Zone's
effective date for an additional year. The Overlay Zone is currently set to expire at the end of 2007;
however, to ensure there is no lapse in development standards, the Department of Community
Services is requesting additional time to complete a detailed plan of the area (in which the public will
have additional input). The City Council's public hearing is scheduled as follows:
Monday, November 19, 2007 at 6:00 PM
Carmel City Hall, Council Chambers 2nd floor
One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032
First adopted in 2005, the Overlay Zone's purpose is to enhance livability by requiring new
buildings and major renovations to adhere to a consistent, pedestrian-friendly design. The
Overlay Zone generally includes properties along Carmel Drive between the Monon Trail and
Executive' Drive, as well as properties along Range Line Road from 116th Street to First Street
South (one block south of Main Street). The Overlay Zone also extends north of Old Town along
Range Line Road from 136th Street/Smokey Row to US 31, New buildings are required to be
oriented toward the street and sidewalk with parking lots placed behind. To encourage efficient use
of land, new buildings will have at least two occupiable floors. Additionally, residential uses will be
allowed as a component of all new buildings, regardless of commercial zoning.
Several projects have been constructed either under the regulation or influence of the
Overlay. The most prominent example is the southeast corner of Carmel Drive and Range Line
Road. What was once a single use structure (former Ponderosa Restaurant) is now a two-story,
mixed-use building, providing a variety of retail and services situated on the site in a way that is very
pedestrian-friendly.
A number of measures are in place to relieve existing buildings from the requirements of
the overlay. Established businesses may continue and expand their buildings (by up to 50%)
without being required to comply. Additionally, provisions are written which allow the full restoration
of buildings damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, etc. without effect from the overlay. In the event
that buildings are voluntarily torn down or redeveloped by their owners, then new plans must comply.
For m'ore information you may read Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 23F: Carmel Drive - Range
Line Road Overlay Zone in its entirety on the City's Website at: www.carmel.in.Qov or by visiting the
Department of Community Services during normal business hours. Should you have questions,
please do not hesitate to contact Adrienne Keeling, Planning Administrator at
akeelinq@CClrmeUn.gov or by calling 317-571-2417.
One Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
317-571-2417