HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 06-02-09CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
SPECIAL STUDIES COMMITTEEE
DEPARTMENT REPORT
JUNE 2, 2009
Docket No. 09040017 ADLS Amend: Lowe's Garden Center Expansion
The applicant seeks design approval for a garden center expansion. The site is located at 14598
Lowes Way and is zoned PUD/Planned Unit Development. Filed by Peter Velde of Kightlinger
& Gray, LLP for Lowe's Home Centers, Inc.
In the past few years, it has been hard for Lowe's to comply with the PlID requirement that "no outside,
wtenclosed storage or refuse or merchandise shall be pernvtted." Now, as a solution, khe applicant seeks design
approval for a garden center expansion, to house the expanding merchandise stock.
All existing landscaping affected will be relocated and shifted east, to a new planting area. The garden center
expansion was proposed to be bound by a 21-ft tall enclosure, made of black wrought iron-like fencing and
brick columns with pre-cast concrete caps. Please refer to the petitioner's revised informational packet for rnore
detail. The enclosure will now be comprised mostly of hrick to become more permanent in nature, and the
design will become more consistent with the existing building.
A variance is needed for the reduction in total parking spaces, and this item was disctssed at the May 18 BZA
meeting and was then continued to the June 22 BZA meeting.
May 5 committee meetin>; comments:
This item has discussed and then table to the June 2 convrvttee meeting. Some suggestions made were to
possibly use a metal screen, make the cornices thicker, and/or just duplicate/extend what is already there.
Plawting/Zoninti Dept continents/concerns:
1. Verify that there will be no additional signage.
2. The Planning/Zoning Dept suggested many alternatives to the proposed design. The cwrent revised
design and materials are satisfactory.
3. The Foresny Dept is satisfied with the amended landscape plan.
4. The Dept of 13ngineering has no major continents at this time. Drainage is not greatly affected.
5. The Hanulton County Highway Dept no continents/concerns.
6. The Hamilton County Surveyor's OfSce: no comments/concerns.
7. Per the PUD ordinance, the Development Plan amendment approval is granted to the Director of
Platming/Zoning due to the minor alternation of the cun•ent approved development plan. This DP
Amend application is cun~eutly being reviewed by the Director.
8. Note: the PIJD ordinance states that the merchandise within an attached garden center shall not be
stacked higher than the height of the exterior wall/fence. Petitioner, please confirm.
The Dept. of Community Services recommends positive consideration of this item, after all comments and
concerns are addressed. (This ADLS Amend item only requires committee approval.)