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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket for HO 05-27-25Michelle (Klingensmith) Shaffer 14180 Cherry Tree Road Carmel, IN 46033 Mshaffer0713@gmail.com 317-407-1480 April 6, 2025 City of Carmel, IN Department of Community Services One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 Re: Application for Short-Term Rental Permit – 14180 Cherry Tree Road Dear Members of the Planning & Zoning Committee, I am writing to formally submit my application for a short-term rental permit for my family property located at 14180 Cherry Tree Road in Carmel, Indiana. This home has been in the Klingensmith family for over 150 years, a testament to our deep roots in this community. Built in 1972, the home has remained a well-preserved representation of 1970s architecture and design, offering visitors a unique and nostalgic lodging experience. As further recognition of our family's historical and agricultural legacy in Indiana, we have formally applied for the Hoosier Homestead Award Program for 2025. This prestigious state program honors families who have maintained continuous ownership of their land for over a century. Receiving this designation will further highlight the signiflcance of our property, reinforcing its value not only to our family but to the community at large. The Klingensmith family has owned and cared for this land for generations, contributing to the Carmel community in meaningful ways. Our family's long-standing connection to this property refiects our commitment to preserving its history and character. The home itself remains largely unchanged from its original 1972 design and decor, making it a rare and immersive example of the era’s architecture. By allowing this property to operate as a short-term rental, I hope to share our family’s heritage and Carmel’s history with visitors while continuing to maintain and care for this treasured home. In addition, I am requesting this Special Exception in order to have the fiexibility to offer rental dates outside of those currently permitted under the Freebie program. The limited windows available through Freebie do not always align with guest needs—especially families visiting for special events—and this fiexibility would allow us to better accommodate visitors while still upholding all rules and neighborhood expectations. Over the past year, I have successfully rented this home under the Freebie short-term rental program, strictly adhering to all guidelines and best practices. During this time, there have been no complaints or issues related to guests, demonstrating my ability to manage the property responsibly. This proven record underscores my commitment to ensuring that the rental will continue to operate in a manner that respects neighbors and upholds community standards. I currently reside in the home. However, when it is rented to short-term guests, if I am not traveling, I stay next door in a separate home—also located on the property—which I co- own with my husband. From there, I am able to oversee guest activity and ensure compliance with all city regulations. If I am traveling, my husband remains on-site to fulflll that role. This hands-on arrangement ensures that a responsible homeowner is always physically present or immediately available to monitor the property, promptly address any concerns, and maintain a quiet, respectful environment for neighbors. It also guarantees that the property remains well-maintained and in harmony with the surrounding community. Approving this short-term rental permit would: 1. Support Local Businesses – Visitors staying at the home will contribute to Carmel’s economy by dining at local restaurants, shopping at small businesses, and enjoying local attractions. 2. Promote Heritage Tourism – Carmel’s visitors seek unique and authentic experiences. A historically rooted, 1970s-themed home aligns with the city’s tourism goals, providing a distinctive lodging option that enhances the visitor experience. 3. Preserve Family and Community Heritage – The Klingensmith home, in conjunction with our application for the Hoosier Homestead Award, refiects an important part of Carmel’s history. Operating this home as a short-term rental allows me to preserve this historical property for future generations while keeping it actively engaged with the community. Given my family’s long-standing ties to this property and community, my proven track record of responsible short-term rental hosting, my commitment to ensuring compliance and neighborhood harmony, and our recent application for the Hoosier Homestead Award, I respectfully request approval for this short-term rental permit. This home is not just a rental—it is a living piece of Carmel’s history that deserves to be shared, appreciated, and preserved. I appreciate your time and consideration and welcome the opportunity to discuss this application further. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Michelle (Klingensmith) Shaffer Mshaffer0713@gmail.com 317-407-1480 14180 Cherry Tree Road Driveway and parking Driveway and parking Back Yard Page 8 of 12 Filename: findings of fact Revised 12-16-24 FINDINGS OF FACT - SPECIAL EXCEPTION CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Docket No.: ___________________________________ Petitioner: Michelle L. Shaffer 1. The approval of this Special Exception will not negatively affect surrounding property values because the home has been well maintained, thoughtfully used, and is situated on land that has been in my family since 1854. As a lifelong Carmel resident, I have a deep respect for the community and am committed to preserving the character and integrity of the neighborhood. The short-term rental use will be carefully managed to ensure it remains quiet, clean, and consistent with the area’s residential nature. Parties are strictly prohibited, and guest activity will be closely monitored to ensure com pliance. Additionally, increased property upkeep and responsible guest screening will help maintain —if not enhance—the surrounding property values. 2. This Special Exception will be compatible with existing land uses in the neighborhood because the home will continue to function as a single-family residence, just as it was originally intended when my father built it in 197 2. The surrounding area includes a mix of long-term residences and properties with similar characteristics, and the short-term rental use will not alter the structure, density, or residential character of the neighborhood. As a lifelong Carmel resident, I’m committed to ensuring the property blends seamlessly with existing uses, and that all activity remains respectful of neighbors and consistent with the quiet, residential feel of the area. 3. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic in and around the premises will not be substantially affected by this Special Exception because the property sits on a full acre, features a long private driveway, and is surrounded by a privacy fence, which provides both space and separation from neighboring homes. There are three designated parking spaces on the property, and renters will be limited to no more than three vehicles. These measures will help maintain the quiet character o f the neighborhood and prevent any negative impact on traffic or parking in the area. DECISION ____Yes ____No: The Board has reviewed the requirements of UDO Section 5.73 as they relate to this Special Exception, and does not find that those criteria prevent the granting of the Special Exception. IT IS THEREFORE the decision of the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals that Special Exception Docket No. _________________ SE is granted, subject to any conditions stated in the minutes of this Board, which are incorporated herein by reference and mad e a part hereof. Adopted this _______ day of ________________, 20__. ___________________________________________ CHAIRPERSON, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals ___________________________________________ SECRETARY, Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Conditions of approval of the Board, if any, are listed in the Letter of Grant.