HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo 01-22-10MEMORANDUM
TO: Carmel City Council
FROM: Adrienne Keeling
Department of Community Services
SUBJECT: Ordinance Z- 539 -10: Carmel SmartCode
DATE: January 22, 2010
Please find information on the following item forwarded by the Plan Commission attached. This item
will appear on your February 1s agenda.
Returned to Council with favorable recommendation:
Ordinance Z- 539 -10 (Docket No. 09050010 OA): Carmel SmartCode Ordinance
Amendment
The applicant seeks to Adopt Article 3: CARMEL SMARTCODE as part of Carmel City Code,
Chapter 10: Zoning Subdivisions. The SmartCode contains new development regulations that
will be in effect for the area of Carmel north of 116 Street and bounded by US 31 and Keystone
Parkway, designated as the North Central area in the C -3 Comprehensive Plan. Filed by the
Department of Community Services, on behalf of the Carmel Plan Commission.
Summary:
The development of the Carmel SmartCode began in February of 2009 with a week long planning
charrette to gather public comments and suggestions in an effort to define a collective vision for
the North Central area of the City. The intent of the SmartCode is to establish development rules
for the North Central area to ensure that new development is high quality of design with a mix of
uses, and balanced so that neighborhood areas are protected from inappropriate encroachment
and transitions between buildings are appropriately designed and respectful of adjoining property.
Plan Commission History:
The formal introduction of the SmartCode began at public hearing at the July 21 Plan Commission
meeting. A second Plan Commission public hearing was held in August, and the Code was
scrutinized over the period between August thru October at five sub committee meetings,
including additional public input. On October 20 the Plan Commission voted to forward the
Carmel SmartCode and corresponding rezoning to the City Council with a favorable
recommendation.
Upon the Council's denial December, the Plan Commission began a second 45 -day review period
of the SmartCode Ordinance. At their meeting on January 21S the Plan Commission re- certified
the SmartCode Ordinance back to the Council with only administrative cleanup of the document
text and a recommendation that the Department actively participate in the Council's review of the
draft and existing commitments.
SmartCode Rezoning:
The SmartCode Map (rezoning) has been withdrawn from the table at this time; however, we are
including it as a reference tool in your packet to illustrate how the Code could apply on the
ground. In order for a map to be adopted, a new Public Hearing process, beginning at the Plan
2010-0122; Council Report.doc
Commission level will be required.
Time Limits:
The Council will have 45 days from the Plan Commission Certification to act upon this ordinance.
In an effort to include as many meetings as possible in Council's 45 -day window, the certification
for Z- 539 -10 will be effective on February 1. This will give the Council until March 17 to act
upon the ordinance.
The information on this item has been arranged in the following format:
1. Smart Code FAQs
2. Ordinance Z- 539 -10
3. SmartCode (Version 01/21/2010)
4. SmartCode Map (for reference only)
2010-0122; Council Report.doc