HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance_REDLINE Draft 06-06-25
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Sponsor(s): 1
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ORDINANCE Z- 3
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE 4
CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA 5
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Synopsis: an Ordinance amending UDO Articles 2.20, 2.21 and 9.03 relating to Development 7
Plan and Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping and Signage requirements, 8
application, consideration, and approval processes. 9
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ind. Code 36-7-4-602 the Common Council is authorized to 10
amend the text of the Unified Development Ordinance (the “UDO”); and 11
WHEREAS, the Common Council desires to amend the text of Articles 2.20, 2.21, and 12
9.03 relating to Development Plan (“DP”) and Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, 13
Landscaping and Signage (“ADLS”) requirements, application, consideration, and approval 14
processes in order to standardize, enhance, simplify, and better define DP and ADLS approvals 15
(the “Proposed Amendment”); and 16
WHEREAS, pursuant to Common Council Resolution CC 05-05-25-01, the City’s Plan 17
Commission (the “Commission”) received the Common Council’s proposal to consider and 18
provide a recommendation to the Common Council regarding the Proposed Amendment, and 19
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ind. Code 36-7-4-604, the Commission held a public hearing 20
regarding the Proposed Amendment as Docket No. PZ-2025-00103 OA on June 17, 2025, after 21
providing public notice thereof as required by law. 22
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Common Council of the City of 23
Carmel, Indiana, that, pursuant to IC 36-7-4-600 et seq. and after Docket No. PZ-2025-00103 OA 24
having received a favorable recommendation from the Commission on Tuesday,___________, 25
2025, it hereby adopts this Ordinance to amend Articles 2.20, 2.21 and 9.03 of the UDO, to read 26
as follows: 27
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Section I: The foregoing recitals are incorporated herein by this reference. 29
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Section II: Amends B1 District Development Standards of Article 2, Section 2.20 by requiring 31
DP approval as follows: 32
Development Plan Required 33
• no yes 34
Section III: Amends B2 District Development Standards of Article 2, Section 2.21 by requiring 35
DP approval as follows: 36
Development Plan Required 37
• no yes 38
Section III: Amends and Replaces Article 9, Section 9.03(B) through Article 9, Section 9.03(D) 39
with the following language: 40
B. Development Plan: 41
1. Development Requirements 42
The Plan Commission shall review a Development Plan application to determine if the 43
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Development Plan satisfies the development requirements specified herein, and in the 44
applicable zoning district, and any applicable Overlay district. The Plan Commission’s 45
review shall include, but not be limited to, the following items: 46
a. Compatibility of the development with surrounding land uses 47
i. Consistency with the policies for the district as set forth in the Comprehensive Plan; 48
ii. Surrounding zoning and existing land uses; 49
iii. Compatibility with existing platted residential uses; and 50
iv. Compatibility of proposed project with existing development within the district. 51
v. Potential environmental impacts of the development, including stormwater 52
management, tree preservation, and air, noise, and light pollution. 53
b. Availability and coordination of: 54
i. The means and impact of water supply techniquesWater supply, considering 55
available capacity and potential impacts; 56
ii. The means and impact of sanitary sewersSanitary sewer systems, considering 57
available capacity and potential impacts; 58
iii. On-site and off-site surface and subsurface storm water drainage including 59
calculationsStormwater management, including on-site and off-site surface and 60
subsurface drainage, supported by appropriate engineering calculations; 61
iv. Erosion and sediment control measures during construction and post-construction; 62
v. Protection of wetlands, streams, and other water resources, including any necessary 63
permits and mitigation measures; and 64
vi. Other on-site and off-site utilities. 65
c. Management of traffic in a manner that creates conditions favorable to health, safety, 66
convenience, and the harmonious development of the community such thatTraffic 67
management that promotes health, safety, convenience, and harmonious community 68
development, ensuring that: 69
i. The design and location of proposed street and highway access points minimize 70
safety hazards and congestion; 71
ii. The capacity of adjacent streets and highways is sufficient to safely and efficiently 72
accept accommodate traffic that will begenerated by the new development; and 73
iii. The proposed entrances, streets, and internal traffic circulation facilities in the 74
Development Planare compatible with existing and planned streets and adjacent 75
developments, including stub street continuation; 76
iv. Implementation of traffic calming measures, as appropriate, to control speed and 77
enhance pedestrian safety; 78
v. Mitigation of potential negative impacts of increased traffic on adjacent residential 79
neighborhoods; 80
vi. Integration of the development's street network with the surrounding community to 81
promote connectivity and efficient traffic flow; 82
vii. A traffic management plan for the construction phase, addressing potential impacts 83
on traffic flow and neighborhood access; and 84
viii. Analysis of the need for traffic signals or other traffic regulation devices 85
improvements or new signals, or other traffic regulation devices to accommodate 86
the development's traffic. 87
d. Building setback lines. 88
e. Building coverage. 89
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f. Building separation. 90
g. Vehicle circulation. 91
i. Consistency with the policies for the district as set forth in the Thoroughfare Plan; 92
ii. Dedication of streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way, and/or reservation of land to be 93
sold to governmental authorities for future development of streets and rights-of-94
way. In developments that adjoin or include existing streets that do not conform to 95
the minimum right-of-way dimensions as established by the Thoroughfare Plan, the 96
developerproperty owner of the proposed development shall dedicate additional 97
width along either one or both sides of such streets of inadequate width so as to 98
bring them up to standards, provided the area to be used for widening is owned by 99
the subdividerproperty owner or under hisits control; 100
iii. Location and character of streets; 101
iv. Access to public streetsDriveway and curb cut locations in relation to other sites; 102
v. Location and character of curbs and gutters; 103
vi. Location and character of vehicle parking facilities; 104
vii. General vehicular trafficVehicular internal site circulation; 105
h. Pedestrian and bicycle circulation. 106
i. Consistency with the policies for the district as set forth in the Thoroughfare Plan; 107
ii. Location and character of sidewalks, pedestrian trails, and bicycle paths; 108
iii. Access to public sidewalks and multi-use paths; 109
iv. General pedestrian and bicycle traffic; 110
v. Adequate Llocation and character of bicycle parking and storage facilities; and 111
vi. Pedestrian and bicycle internal site circulation within the development site. 112
i. Site landscaping and screeningHeight, scale, and materials and styleof improvements. 113
j. Recreational and greenspace amenities. 114
k. Project signage.Existing site features, including topography, wetlands, and wooded 115
areas. ; 116
l. Special and general easements for public or private use. ; 117
m. Exterior lighting.Protective restrictions, and/orcovenants, best management practices, 118
preservation easements, and/or other legal instruments. 119
2. Plan Documentation and Supporting Information 120
Applicant shall submit the following documents and supporting information to be reviewed 121
by Plan Commission: 122
a. Plan documents depicting tThe location and describing the character of the following: 123
i. Existing and proposed principal buildings and accessory buildings. 124
[1] Exterior Elevations, Renderings, Etc.: Exterior elevations, renderings depicting 125
the exterior materials to be used, and a list of exterior materials relating to all 126
buildings and other structures proposed in the area subject to Development Plan 127
approval, together with Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping 128
and Signage Plans, shall be submitted to the Plan Commission in order to better 129
define the parameters and intent of the proposed development. The architectural 130
design should reflect a unified design which is in character and proper 131
relationship with the surrounding area. Unless required by the Plan 132
Commission, this Section shall not apply to detached, single-family residences. 133
[2] Site Plan: 134
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[a] Location of special and general easements and other legal instruments for 135
public or private use; 136
[b] Building setback lines; 137
[c] Building coverage and dimensions; 138
[d] Building separation. 139
ii. New uUtilities, including, but not limited to, water lines, gas lines, electric lines, 140
and other necessary facilities or equipment. 141
iii. SignageDescription of existing features on the site, such as topography, vegetation, 142
existing structures, utilities, and easements. 143
[1] Sign Plan: All exterior signage proposed to be located in the development, 144
subject to approval and obtaining of a Sign Permit prior to erection under the 145
requirements of the Sign Ordinance, shall be shown and conformance or 146
nonconformance with said Ordinance shall be so noted. 147
iv. Landscaping 148
[1] Landscape Plan: A detailed plan of the existing and proposed landscaping 149
showing location, kind and caliper measurement size of trees, shrubbery and 150
screening materials, as appropriate and required by the Plan Commission. 151
b. The description of the nature and intensity types of uses in the development. 152
c. The traffic management plan, including a traffic management plan during construction, 153
describing condition and size of public thoroughfares and parking, vehicle, and 154
pedestrian facilities. At a minimum, a traffic management plan shall outline how traffic 155
generated by the development will be safely and efficiently managed during both the 156
construction and post-construction phase. Traffic management plan shall seek to 157
minimize traffic congestion, ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety, maintain access for 158
emergency vehicles, and mitigate impacts on the existing transportation network. 159
i. Traffic Study: A traffic study to include a comparative analysis of present volumes 160
on streets bordering the development or with a direct bearing on the development 161
versus potential capacity volumes of those streets. Consideration should be made 162
of the effect of the proposed development and the traffic it would engender, 163
particularly at peak periods. A Circulation Plan should be included for all existing 164
and proposed streets, both public and private, which will show recommendations 165
for controlling, signalizing, channelizing, parking, storing and warning both 166
pedestrian and vehicular traffic. 167
d. The location and capacity of drainage and storm water facilities, and sewer systems 168
servicing the development. 169
i. Drainage Plan: Detailed drawings and Construction Plans for all elements of the 170
storm water drainage system, including curbs and gutters, storm sewers, open 171
drainage waterways, drain tiles, culverts, retention reservoirs, best management 172
practices and preservation easements, and other necessary appurtenances, shall be 173
included. Among the necessary items of information are locations, grades, sizes, 174
capacity and typical cross-sections of the Drainage Plan elements. A report shall be 175
included concerning: 176
[1] Legal drains located in the development or relating to the development,; 177
[2] The flooding potential of the development,; 178
[3] The design of the storm water system to deal with such flooding potential,; and 179
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[4] The expected impact of the development’s storm water runoff on any receiving 180
stream or downstream property. 181
Where floodplains are involved, a statement from the Indiana Natural Resources 182
Commission to the extent it has jurisdiction shall be required with respect to 183
location of floodways and floodplains. 184
e. Metes and Bounds Description: An accurate metes and bounds description of the 185
boundary of the tract that is subject to Final Development Plan approval. 186
f. Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions: A list of the covenants, conditions, and 187
restrictions, if any, which will run with the land and affect the use of the property within 188
the area subject to Final Development Plan approval. The approved covenants shall be 189
recorded with the Recorder of Hamilton County, Indiana. 190
g. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. A statement and plan setting forth the method of 191
controlling erosion and sedimentation before, during and following development and 192
construction, e.g., temporary Seeding, sediment donation basins, erosion prevention 193
devices and other similar means, that meet the Hamilton County Soil and Water 194
Conservation District guidelines for urban development. 195
h. Lighting Plan: Specifics are required concerning the easements, locations, size, height, 196
type, intensity and illuminance of proposed street and outdoor lighting. 197
i. Service Reports: Service reports or statements, as necessary, may include, but not be 198
limited to, the following sources: 199
i. City, County or State highway departments; 200
ii. Indiana Natural Resources Commission; 201
iii. Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety; 202
iv. Member organizations of the Technical Advisory CommitteeStaff and City 203
Department as assigned. 204
j. Other Construction Plans: Other specific Construction Plans as identified by the 205
Director of Department of Community Services or required by State laws, rules, and 206
regulations shall be submitted as necessary detailing information on, but not limited to, 207
streets, lighting, sanitary sewer system, storm water drainage system, curbs and gutters, 208
sidewalks and the related appurtenances. The required information shall include 209
locations, grades, sizes, capacities, typical cross-sections and so forth. These plans shall 210
be drawn by a Registered Land Surveyor or a Professional Engineer licensed to do 211
business in the State of Indiana in accordance with State Statuteslaws, rules, and 212
regulations. 213
k. Construction Timetable: A construction timetable or schedule shall include the 214
approximate timing of completion and/or occupancy of the improvements proposed in 215
the area subject to Development Plan approval. 216
l. Deeds of Dedication: Certification of deeds of streets, rights-of-way and other public 217
property to the proper authorities, except so much thereof as are intended to remain 218
private. 219
m. Certificate of Plan Commission Approval: Certificate of Approval by the Plan 220
Commission shall be on each and everysheet of the Development Plan. 221
222
C. Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping and Signage (ADLS) 223
1. Development Requirements 224
The Plan Commission shall review an Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, 225
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Landscaping and Signage application to determine if the Architectural Design, Exterior 226
Lighting, Landscaping and/or Signage satisfy the development requirements specified 227
herein, and in the applicable zoning district, any applicable Overlay district, and Carmel 228
Comprehensive Plan. The Plan Commission’s review shall include, but not be limited, to 229
the following items: 230
a. Compatibility of the development with surrounding land uses. 231
i. Consistency with the policies for the district as set forth in the Comprehensive Plan; 232
ii. Surrounding zoning and existing land use; 233
iii. Compatibility with existing platted residential uses; and 234
iv. Compatibility of proposed project with existing development within the district. 235
b. Pedestrian and bicycle circulation. 236
i. Consistency with the policies for the district as set forth in the Thoroughfare Plan; 237
ii. Location and character of sidewalks, pedestrian trails, and bicycle paths; 238
iii. Access to public sidewalks and multi-use paths; 239
iv. General pedestrian and bicycle traffic; 240
v. Location and character of bicycle parking and storage facilities; 241
vi. Pedestrian and bicycle internal site circulation. 242
a. Site landscaping and screening. 243
b. Height, scale, materials, andArchitectural design and style of improvements. 244
c. Project sSignage. 245
d. Style and design of eExterior lighting. 246
e. Existing site features, and including topography, and wooded areas;. 247
f. Special and general easements for public or private use;. 248
g. Protective restrictions and/or covenants. 249
2. Plan Documentation and Supporting Information 250
Applicant shall submit the following documents and supporting information to be reviewed 251
by Plan Commission: 252
a. Plan documents depicting tThe location and describing the character of the following: 253
i. Existing and proposed principal buildings and accessory buildings. 254
[1] Exterior Elevations, Renderings, Etc.:Exterior elevations, renderings depicting 255
the exterior materials to be used, and a list of exterior materials relating to all 256
buildings and other structures proposed in the area subject to Architectural 257
Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping and Signage approval, together with 258
Plans, shall be submitted to the Plan Commission in orderto better define the 259
intent and character of the proposed development. The architectural design 260
should reflect a unified design which is in character and proper relationship with 261
the surrounding area. Unless required by the Plan Commission, this Section 262
shall not apply to detached, single-family residences. 263
[2] Site Plan. 264
[a] Location of special and general easements for public or private useBuilding 265
setback lines; 266
[b] Building coverage; 267
[c] Building separation. 268
ii. UtilitiesSignage. 269
[1] Sign Plan: All exterior signage proposed to be located in the development, 270
subject to approval and obtaining of a Sign Permit prior to erection under the 271
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City’s signage requirements pursuant to UDO Section 5.39: Sign Standards and 272
any applicable overlay district additional signage regulations of the Sign 273
Ordinance, shall be shown and conformance or nonconformance with said 274
Ordinance shall be so noted. 275
iv. Landscaping. 276
[1] Landscape Plan: A detailed plan of the existing and proposed landscaping 277
showing location, kind and caliper measurement size of trees, shrubbery and 278
screening materials, as appropriate and required by the Plan Commission. 279
v. Exterior Lighting. 280
[1] Lighting Plan: Specifics are required concerning the easements, locations, size, 281
height, type, style, design, intensity and illuminance of proposed street and 282
outdoor lighting. 283
b. The nature and intensity of uses in the development.Covenants, Conditions, and 284
Restrictions: A list of the covenants, conditions, and restrictions, if any, which will run 285
with the land and affect the use of the property within the area subject to Architectural 286
Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping and ADLS Signage approval. The approved 287
covenants shall be recorded with the Recorder of Hamilton County, Indiana. 288
c. Other ConstructionDocuments and InformationPlans: Any oOther specific 289
Construction Plans shall be submitted as necessary detailing information on, but not 290
limited to, streets, lighting, sanitary sewer system, storm water drainage system, curbs 291
and gutters, sidewalks and the related appurtenances. The required information shall 292
include locations, grades, sizes, capacities, typical cross-sections and so forth. These 293
plans shall be drawn by a Registered Land Surveyor or a Professional Engineer licensed 294
to do business in the State of Indiana in accordance with the State Statute.supporting 295
documentation and information required by the Director of Community Services and/or 296
Plan Commission necessary for ADLS approval. 297
D. Procedures for Submission and Review: The procedures described in this section shall apply 298
to all Primary Zoning Districts and Overlay Districts which require Development Plan or 299
ADLS approvals except for the C1 and C2 Districts. See Section 9.0(E) Procedures for 300
Submission and Review for C1 and C2 Districts for the applicable procedures. 301
1. Development Plan 302
a. Pre-Application Consultation with the Director of Community Services: 303
Applicants shall meet with the Director of Community Services to review the zoning 304
classification of their site, review the regulatory ordinances and materials, review the 305
procedures and examine the proposed use and development of the property. The 306
Director of Community Servies shall aid and advise the applicant in preparing the 307
application and supporting documents as necessary. 308
b. Application: 309
All below submittals must be done online on the City’s website. 310
i. Director: The applicant shall submit to the Director of Community Services: 311
[1] Two (2) copies of theA Development Plan writtenapplication form; 312
[2] Two (2) copies of tThe Existing Features and Site Analysis Plan; 313
[3] Two (2) copies of tThe Development Plan; 314
[4] As well as two (2) copies of Aall necessary supporting documents and materials 315
as outlined in this chapter. 316
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ii. Technical Advisory Committee: The applicant shall submit the following to the 317
members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): 318
[1] One (1) copy of the written application form; 319
[2] One (1) copy of the Existing Features and Site Analysis Plan; 320
[3] One (1) copy of the Development Plan; 321
[4] As well as one (1) copy of all necessary supporting documents and materials. 322
323
iii. ii. Initial Review of the Application and Supporting Documents and Materials 324
[1] Director: Following the receipt of the writtenapplication, Development Plan, 325
and necessary supporting documents and/or materials, the Director of 326
Community Services shall review the materials for the sole purpose of 327
determining whether the application is complete and in technical compliance 328
with all applicable ordinances, laws and regulations. Director shall notify the 329
applicant when the application is complete and has been forwarded for 330
Technical Review. 331
[2] Technical Advisory CommitteeReview: Following the receipt of the 332
writtenapplication, Development Plan, and necessary supporting documents 333
and/or materials (collectively “Development Plans”), the Director of 334
Community Services shall place the application on the agenda of the Technical 335
Advisory Committeecause Development Plans to be distributed to and receive 336
feedback from City departments and related entities regarding compliance with 337
the development requirements of this chapter and applicable federal, state, and 338
local laws, rules, and regulations. Director of Community Services shall 339
promptly notify the applicant if any additional information is required for 340
Technical Review. Unless required additional information necessitates further 341
review and communication with the applicant, the City’s Technical Review 342
shall be complete within thirty (30) days of the submittal of the complete 343
application (“Technical Review Deadline”). The Technical Review Deadline 344
excludes required submittals to and reviews by entities outside the City’s 345
control such as public utilities, federal agencies, and state/county boards and 346
commissions. 347
iv. iii. Submittal to the Plan Commission 348
[1] If the materials submitted by the applicant are not complete or do not comply 349
with the necessary legal requirements, the Director of Community Services 350
shall inform the applicant of the deficiencies in said materials. Unless and until 351
the Director of Community Services formally accepts the application as 352
complete and in legal compliance, it shall not be considered as formally filed 353
for the purpose of proceeding to succeeding steps toward approval as 354
hereinafter set forth. 355
[2] If the materials submitted by the applicant are determined to be complete and 356
in compliance, the Director of Community Services shall forward the materials 357
to the Plan Commission. Within thirty (30) days of the formalacceptance of the 358
Development Plan application, the Director of Community Services shall 359
formallyfile the application by: 360
[a] Assigning a docket number; 361
[b] Setting a date and time for a public hearing; and 362
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[c] Placing it upon the agenda of the Plan Commission according to the Plan 363
Commission’s Rules of Procedure. 364
[3] The applicant shall file for each Plan Commission member a copy of thesubmit 365
the Existing Features and Site Analysis Plan, the Development Plan, and 366
supporting documents and/or materialsDevelopment Plans to the Plan 367
Commission secretary to be distributed to the Plan Commission 368
memberspursuant to the Plan Commission’s Rules of Procedure. 369
c. Fees: See Article 1, Section 1.29: Filing Fees. 370
d. Public Notice: The applicant shall be responsible for the cost and publication of the 371
required published legal notification of the public hearing. The applicant shall also 372
notify all interested parties and property owners as required by the Plan Commission’s 373
Rules of Procedure and applicable State statutes. 374
e. Public Hearing by the Plan Commission: The conduct of the public hearing shall be in 375
accordance with the Plan Commission’s Rules of Procedure and applicable State 376
statutes. Following the public hearing, the Development Plan shall be reviewed by 377
the Plan Commission. 378
f. Review. The Plan Commission shall review a Development Plan to determine if the 379
Development Plan: 380
i. Is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; and 381
ii. Satisfies the development requirements specified in the UDO. 382
g. Approval. 383
i. In determining whether approval shall be granted, the Plan Commission shall 384
consider generally if the Development Plan complies with the development 385
requirements of Section 9.03(B)(1).: 386
[1] Creates and maintains a desirable, efficient and economical use of land with 387
high functional and aesthetic value, attractiveness and compatibility of land 388
uses, within the District and with adjacent uses; 389
[2] Provides sufficient and well-designed access, parking and loading areas; 390
[3] Provides traffic control and street plan integration with existing and planned 391
public streets and interior access roads; 392
[4] Provides adequately for sanitation, drainage and public utilities; and 393
[5] Allocates adequate sites for all uses proposed, the design, character, grade, 394
location and orientation thereof being appropriate for the uses proposed, locally 395
related to existing and proposed topographical and other conditions, and 396
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 397
ii. In determining whether approval shall be granted, the Plan Commission may: 398
[1] Impose conditions on the approval of a Development Plan if the conditions are 399
reasonably necessary to satisfy the development requirements specified in the 400
Zoning OrdinanceUDO.for approval of the Development Plan. 401
[2] Provide that approval of a Development Plan is conditioned on the furnishing 402
to the Plan Commission of a bond or written assurance that: 403
[a] Guarantees the timely completion of a proposed public improvement in the 404
proposed development; and 405
[b] Is satisfactory to the Plan Commission. 406
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[3] Permit or require the owner of real property to make arecorded 407
writtencommitments that are reasonably necessary to satisfy the development 408
requirements specified in the UDO. 409
iii. Time Limit: An approved Development Plan shall be valid for three (3) years from 410
the date of approval. Upon written application to the Director of Community 411
Services before the expiration of said approval, and upon good cause shown, the 412
Director of Community Services may issue a single extension of the approval for a 413
period not to exceed six (6) months. 414
iv. If the Development Plan is substantially or materially altered in any way, 415
resubmission to the Plan Commission is required. Director of Community Services 416
is authorized to approve minor alterations in the Development Plan without seeking 417
Plan Commission approval. Minor Alterations refer to changes or modifications to 418
an approved Development Plan that are considered to have a minimal impact on the 419
overall intent, character, and functionality of the approved development. These 420
alterations do not fundamentally alter the key aspects of the project that were 421
originally reviewed and approved by the Plan Commission. Further, such 422
alterations do not involve fundamental changes to the type of use, density, intensity, 423
or the core design concepts of the development. 424
v. If a Development Plan petition is denied, the Plan Commission shall provide the 425
applicant with a written copy of the findings-of-fact, if requested by the applicant. 426
h. Amendment: 427
i. Requirements: See Section 9.03(B): Development Plan. 428
ii. Fees: See Section 1.29: Filing Fees. 429
iii. Public Notice: See Section 9.03(D)(1)(d): Public Notice. 430
iv. Public Hearing: See Section 9.03(D)(1)(e): Public Hearing by the Plan 431
Commission. 432
v. Review: See Section 9.03(D)(1)(f): Review. 433
vi. Approval: See Section 9.03(D)(1)(g): Approval. 434
2. Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping and Signage (ADLS) 435
a. If a development requires both Development Plan and ADLS approvals, both plans 436
should be submitted concurrently. 437
a. b. Pre-Application Consultation with the Director of Community Services: 438
Applicants shall meet with the Director of Community Services to review the zoning 439
classification of their site, review the regulatory ordinances and materials, review the 440
procedures and examine the proposed use and development of the property. The 441
Director of Community Services shall aid and advise the applicant in preparing the 442
application and supporting documents as necessary. 443
c. Application: 444
All submittals must be done online on the City’s website. 445
i. Director: The applicant shall submit to the Director of Community Services: 446
[1] Two (2) copies of the writtenAn application form; 447
[2] Two (2) copies of tThe Existing Features and Site Analysis Plan; 448
[3] Two (2) copies of tThe Exterior Elevations and/or Renderings; 449
[4] Two (2) copies of tThe Lighting Plan; 450
[5] Two (2) copies of tThe Landscape Plan; 451
[6] Two (2) copies of tThe Signage Plan; 452
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[7] As well as two (2) copies ofAall necessary supporting documents and materials. 453
ii. Technical Advisory Committee: The applicant may be required to submit the 454
following to the members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): 455
[1] One (1) copy of the written application form; 456
[2] One (1) copy of the Existing Features and Site Analysis Plan; 457
[3] One (1) copy of the Exterior Elevations and/or Renderings; 458
[4] One (1) copy of the Lighting Plan; 459
[5] One (1) copy of the Landscape Plan; 460
[6] One (1) copy of the Signage Plan; 461
[7] As well as one (1) copy of all necessary supporting documents and materials. 462
iii. ii. Initial Review of the Application and Supporting Documents and Materials: 463
[1] Director: Following the receipt of the writtenapplication, Plans, and necessary 464
supporting documents and/or materials (collectively “ADLS Plans”), the 465
Director of Community Services shall review the materialsADLS Plans for the 466
sole purpose of determining whether the application is complete and in 467
technical compliance with all applicable ordinances, laws and regulations. 468
Director shall notify the applicant when the application is complete and has 469
been forwarded for Technical Review. 470
[2] Technical Advisory CommitteeReview: Following the receipt of the written 471
application, Plans and necessary supporting documents and/or materialsADLS 472
Plans, the Director of Community Services shall cause ADLS Plans to be 473
distributed to and receive feedback from City departments and related entities 474
regarding compliance with the development requirements of this chapter and 475
applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Unless required 476
additional information necessitates further review and communication with the 477
applicant, the City’s Technical Review shall be complete within thirty (30) days of 478
the submittal of the complete application (“Technical Review Deadline”). The 479
Technical Review Deadline excludes required submittals to and reviews by entities 480
outside the City’s control such as public utilities, federal agencies, and state/county 481
boards and commissions. 482
iv. iii. Submittal to the Plan Commission: 483
[1] If the materials submitted by the applicant are not complete or do not comply 484
with the necessary legal requirements, the Director of Community Services 485
shall inform the applicant of the deficiencies in said materials. 486
Unless and until the Director of Community Services formally accepts the 487
application as complete and in legal compliance, it shall not be considered as 488
formally filed for the purpose of proceeding to succeeding steps toward 489
approval as hereinafter set forth. 490
[2] If the materials submitted by the applicant are determined to be complete and 491
in compliance, the Director of Community Services shall forward the materials 492
to the Plan Commission. 493
Within thirty (30 days) of the acceptance of the Architectural Design, Exterior 494
Lighting, Landscaping and SignageADLS application, the Director of 495
Community Services shall formally file the application by: 496
[a] Assigning a docket number; 497
[b] Setting a date and time for Plan Commission review; and 498
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[c] Placing it upon the agenda of the Plan Commission according to the Plan 499
Commission’s Rules of Procedure. 500
[3] The applicant shall file for each Plan Commission member a copy of the 501
Existing Features and Site Analysis Plan, the Plans, and supporting documents 502
and/or materials pursuant to the Plan Commission’s Rules of Proceduresubmit 503
ADLS Plans to the Plan Commission secretary to be distributed to the Plan 504
Commission members. 505
c. Fees: See Article 1, Section 1.29: Filing Fees. 506
d. Review. The Plan Commission shall review an ADLS to determine if the ADLS: 507
i. Is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; and 508
ii. Satisfies the development requirements specified in the UDO. 509
e. Approval: 510
i. In determining whether approval shall be granted, the Plan Commission shall 511
consider generally if the Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping and 512
SignageADLS: 513
[1] Creates and maintains a desirable, efficient and economical use of land with 514
high functional and aesthetic value, attractiveness and computability of land 515
uses, within the zoning Ddistrict and with adjacent uses; 516
[2] Provides sufficient and well-designed access, parking and loading 517
areasPresents a cohesive and harmonious architectural design, lighting plan, 518
sign plan, and landscaping plan that enhances the visual character of the 519
development and complements the surrounding area, considering: 520
[a] Architectural style and materials, ensuring compatibility with the context of 521
the development, the zoning and overlay districts requirements, and 522
surrounding properties; 523
[b] Building massing and scale, ensuring appropriate proportions and 524
relationships to adjacent structures and the surrounding environment. This 525
includes consideration of building height, width, and depth, as well as the 526
articulation of building facades to break up large masses and create visual 527
interest; 528
[c] The use of the proposed materials and detailing. The selection of materials 529
and detailing that contribute to the overall aesthetic character of the 530
development and complement the surrounding environment and uses; 531
[d] A comprehensive lighting plan that provides adequate illumination for 532
safety and wayfinding while minimizing light pollution and glare; 533
[e] A well-integrated landscaping plan that incorporates native plants and 534
otherwise complies with Appendix D of the UDO, provides shade and 535
screening, and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the development; 536
[f] Sign plan that identifies the locations of the exterior signage and otherwise 537
complies with the Carmel Sign OrdinanceCity’s signage requirements pursuant 538
to UDO Section 5.39: Sign Standards and any applicable overlay district 539
additional signage requirements; and 540
[3] Allocates adequate sites for all uses proposed, the design, character, grade, 541
location and orientation thereof being appropriate for the uses proposed, 542
logically related to existing and proposed topographical and other conditions, 543
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and consistent with the zoning district, overlay district, and Comprehensive 544
Plan. 545
ii. In determining whether approval shall be granted, the Plan Commission may: 546
[1] Impose conditions on the approval of an Architectural Design, Exterior 547
Lighting, Landscaping and SignageADLS if the conditions are reasonably 548
necessary to satisfy the development requirements specified in the UDO for 549
approval of the ADLS. 550
[2] Permit or require the owner of real property to make recorded a 551
writtencommitments that are reasonably necessary to satisfy the development 552
requirements specified in the UDO. 553
iii. Time Limit: An approved Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping 554
and SignageADLS shall be valid for three (3) years from the date of approval. Upon 555
written application to the Director of Community Services before the expiration of 556
said approval, and upon good cause shown, the Director of Community Services 557
may issue a single extension of the approval for a period not to exceed six (6) 558
months. 559
iv. If the Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, Landscaping and SignageADLS is 560
substantially or materially altered in any way, resubmission to the Plan Commission 561
is required. The Director of Community Services is authorized to approve minor 562
alterations without seeking Plan Commission approval. 563
f. Amendment: 564
i. Requirements: See Section 9.03(D)(2): Architectural Design, Exterior Lighting, 565
Landscaping and Signage (ADLS). 566
ii. Fees: See Article 1, Section 1.29: Filing Fees. 567
iii. Review: See Section 9.03(D)(1)(f): Review. 568
iv. Approval: See Section 9.03 (D)(1)(g): Approval. 569
570
Section IV: The Common Council hereby delegates Department of Community Services to correct 571
and codify numbering, pagination, cross-references, table of contents, Appendices, and land use 572
matrix of the Unified Development Ordinance affected by this Ordinance. 573
574
Section V: All prior Ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance 575
are hereby repealed. 576
577
Section VI: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and signing 578
by the Mayor. 579
580
581
582
Signature page to follow 583
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ADOPTED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana this ________ day 584
of ______________________ 2025, by a vote of _________ ayes and ________ nays. 585
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COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA 588
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______________________________ ______________________________ 590
Adam Aasen, President Matthew Snyder, Vice-President 591
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______________________________ ______________________________ 593
Jeff Worrell Teresa Ayers 594
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______________________________ ______________________________ 596
Shannon Minnaar Ryan Locke 597
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______________________________ ______________________________ 599
Anthony Green Rich Taylor 600
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______________________________ 602
Anita Joshi 603
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ATTEST: 605
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__________________________________ 607
Jacob Quinn, Clerk 608
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Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this ____ day of 610
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____________, 2025, at _______ __.M. 612
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_______________________________ 614
Jacob Quinn, Clerk 615
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Approved by me, Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this ___ day of 617
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______________, 2025, at ______ __.M. 619
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________________________________ 621
Sue Finkam, Mayor 622
ATTEST: 623
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_________________________________ 625
Jacob Quinn, Clerk 626
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Prepared by: Sergey Grechukhin, Deputy Corporation Counsel/Transactions Chief, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032 629