HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Rept 06-23-259 of 12
CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS REGULAR MEETING
DEPARTMENT REPORT
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025
(UV) Smith-Thompson Accessory Dwelling Use Variance.
The applicant seeks the following Use Variance approval for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU):
3. Docket No. PZ-2025-00092 UV UDO Section 2.11 Permitted Uses – Accessory Dwelling
use not permitted, but requested. The 3-acre site is located at 10680 Highland Dr. (not in any
subdivision). It is zoned R1/Residence. Filed by Molly Smith on behalf of Kay & Douglas Thompson,
owners.
General Info:
• Petitioner seeks approval to construct an Accessory Dwelling at the rear of a 3-acre wooded parcel of land, to
be near her aging parents. A single family dwelling currently exists on the site.
• Use Variance approval is requested for an Accessory Dwelling land use in the R1 zoning district.
• The site is not located in any subdivision; there is no Homeowner’s Association (HOA).
• Surrounding this site are single family residential dwellings.
• Please see the Petitioner’s info packet for more details on the use variance request.
Use Variance Requested:
Accessory Dwelling use -
• The UDO defines an Accessory Dwelling as: A Dwelling that is attached to or located on the same Lot as a
detached or attached Single family Dwelling, has an independent means of access and is owned by the owner
of the Principal Building but occupied by another. Accessory Dwellings include Apartments integrated
within or attached to a Single-family Dwelling, or located in detached Accessory Buildings located on the
same Lot as the Single-family Dwelling.
• The UDO states that Use Variance approval is required for an Accessory Dwelling in the R1 zoning district.
• A modern style ranch home is proposed. The proposed height of the one-story home will range from 11’-18’.
• The proposed side and rear building setbacks will be 75 feet from the west and north property lines. (The
minimum allowed side/rear setbacks for an accessory building is 5 feet, so this will be much more than that.)
• The proposed house footprint will be approximately 50’ by 100’ (or 5,000 sq. ft.). This footprint size is
allowed, since the subject parcel is 3 acres in size.
• The roof will be metal, and the exterior materials will be metal and glass.
Final Comments:
• The Planning Dept. supports the use variance request. Adding diversity in housing types to the community is
a positive thing.
• The Petitioner is working on addressing the remaining technical review comments/concerns; Planning Staff
has no concerns with this.
• The Petitioner is working with TAC Members to address any comments/concerns, and they are also working
with the Carmel Engineering Dept. regarding the proposed driveway that will cross the creek, as well as
providing required grading/drainage plans.
Findings of Fact:
• Please refer to the Petitioner’s Findings of Facts included in their BZA Info Packet.
Recommendation:
• The Dept. of Community Services (DOCS) recommends positive consideration of the variance request, with
the condition of the Petitioner addressing any remaining technical review comments, and with the adoption
of the Findings of Facts submitted by the Petitioner.