HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 08-07-07 CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE
DEPARTMENT REPORT
August 7, 2007
4. Docket No. 07050023 OA: Monon Trail Overlay Zone
The applicant seeks to adopt Chapter 23H: Monon Trail Overlay Zone into the
Carmel Zoning Ordinance. Filed by the Carmel Department of Community Services.
Please see the informational packet for more detail on the ordinance amendment.
Proposed is a new chapter of the Zoning Ordinance establishing development standards along the
Monon Greenway. This proposal is in response to the many recent developments, either
proposed or under construction, along the Monon. The Department has received many concerns
from citizens, City Council, and Plan Commission members about establishing standards along
the Trail.
Included within the proposed chapter are standards for use, building height, setback, landscaping
and architectural design. In an effort to recognize and allow for varying character along the
Monon, two different areas of the Greenway are proposed with differing development standards.
The Urban Section has been identified as the approximately one -mile area between Old Town
and Carmel Drive. In addition to a widening of the Trail to accommodate more users, it is
envisioned that future buildings address the trail rather than turning their backs. The Natural
Section is everything north and south of the Urban Section, where the building setbacks and
buffering requirements are larger.
Please note that this is item is a text amendment only. For this to be implemented and enforced,
a map amendment (rezoning) will be required to establish the exact boundaries of the Overlay
Zone.
The Department of Community Services recommends that the Special Studies Committee
forward this project to the full Plan Commission meeting on August 21 after all comments
and concerns have been addressed.