HomeMy WebLinkAboutChap 23D Old Town District Overlay ZoneCITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
CARMEL CITY CODE
CHAPTER 10: ZONING SUBDIVISIONS
ARTICLE 1: ZONING CODE
CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 23D: OLD TOWN DISTRICT OVERLAY ZONE
23D.00 Old Town District Overlay Zone
23D.01 Old Town District Boundaries
23D.02 Application of Guidelines of the Overlay District
23D.03 Guidelines
A. Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area
B. Main Street District Sub -Area
C. Character Sub -Area
23D.04 Submittal Process /Application Procedure
23D.00 Old Town District Overlay Zone
23D.00.01 Purpose and Intent
It is the purpose of the Old Town District (referred to in this Chapter 23D as the "District to
promote and protect the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare by
providing for consistent and coordinated treatment of the properties in the designated Old Town
District in Clay Township, Hamilton County, Indiana. The Commission and Council, in
establishing this overlay zone, are relying on IC 36 -7 -4 -600 et seq. and IC 36 -7 -4 -1400 et seq.
The Overlay Zone establishes regulations in addition to the zoning. In the case of conflicts
between this Overlay Zone District Ordinance and the Zoning Code, the provisions of this
Ordinance will prevail.
Old Town is an important historical commercial and residential area to the City of Carmel and
Clay Township. In order to protect this important area, this Overlay Zone has been developed to
provide for consistent and coordinated treatment of the properties in Old Town by establishing
basic standards for structures, landscaping and other improvements.
Further, this Overlay Zone seeks to:
Foster rehabilitation and development in Old Town
Increase property values in Old Town
Protect real estate investment in Old Town
Retain Old Town neighborhood vitality
Spur commercial activity in Old Town
Attract new businesses to Old Town.
Within the Old Town District there are different parts and characteristics, therefore, the district is
divided into three Sub Areas: a Character Sub -Area, a Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area, and
Main Street Sub -Area. Each Sub -Area will have separate guidelines that apply to it.
23D.01 Old Town District Boundaries
Beginning at the intersection of the centerline of West Smokey Row Road (East 136 Street) and the
Morton Greenway;
thence east to the alley between 1s Avenue Northwest and North Range Line Road;
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thence south to the south property line of the property located at the southwest comer of West Smokey
Row Road and North Range Line Road;
thence east across North Range Line Road to the east property line of the property located at the southeast
comer of East Smokey Row Road and North Range Line Road;
thence north to East Smokey Row Road;
thence east to the rear lot line of properties on the east side of 1S Avenue Northeast;
thence south to 7th Street Northeast;
thence east to the rear property line of properties on the east side of 2n Avenue Northeast;
thence south to 3r Street Northeast;
thence east to 3r Avenue Northeast;
thence south to 1S Street Northeast;
thence south across the west property line of the property located at the northwest corner of East Main
Street and 4th Avenue Northeast;
thence south crossing over Main Street to the rear lot line of properties on the north side of Carmel View
Drive;
thence west to the rear lot line of properties on 1S Avenue Southeast;
thence south to the south property line of the property located at the southeast corner of 4th Street Southeast
and 1S Avenue Southeast;
thence west to the alley between 1S Avenue Southeast and South Range Line Road;
thence north to 1S Street Southeast;
thence west to 2n Avenue Southwest;
thence south to 2n Street Southwest;
thence west to 4th Avenue Southwest;
thence north to the northwest corner of the property located on the northwest corner of West Main Street
and 1S Street Northwest;
thence east to the Monon Greenway;
thence north on and along the Monon Greenway to the southern boundary of Bethenridge Subdivision;
thence east to 1S Avenue Northeast;
thence north to the northern boundary of Bethenridge Subdivision;
thence west to the Monon Greenway;
thence north on and along the Monon Greenway to the beginning.
Boundaries are further described by the map in Figure 1. Within the District, land is further
subdivided into Sub Areas, which describe different land use and design guidelines. The boundaries of the
Sub -Areas are hereby established as shown on Figure 1.
23D.02 Application of Guidelines of the Overlay District
A. Buildings covered by the Guidelines
Any alteration, addition or new construction within the Old Town District that requires a building
permit must be reviewed for conformance with these guidelines. Wherever there exists a C -2 /Old
Town District within the Old Town Overlay District, the development standards and procedures of
the C -2 /Old Town District shall govern.
B. Contributing Buildings and Non contributing Buildings
Definition
a. Contributing Buildings are those that have certain characteristics that are in
keeping with historical construction in the Old Town District.
b. Non contributing Buildings, usually built later, do not have many of these
characteristics. The aim of the guidelines is to preserve or create contributing
characteristics where it is possible to do so.
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2. Application of guidelines Some of the guidelines are directed only at Contributing
Buildings and are not applicable to Non contributing Buildings. Figure 3 designates the
Contributing and Non contributing Buildings. Such designation may be reviewed and
revised at any time by the Director, using the criteria established in 23D.03(C).
3. New construction New buildings must be built with the characteristics of Contributing
Buildings, except for Accessory Buildings added to a property where the Principal
Building is Non contributing.
4. Reconstruction Redevelopment or reconstruction of a property where the existing
building has been demolished will be considered new construction, regardless of the
classification of buildings previously existing on that site, except as provided in Section
23D.02(B)(5).
5. Demolition No Contributing Building, or any part of it, may be demolished in this
overlay without the consent of the Director. Before receiving any permits or undertaking
any work that constitutes demolition, the applicant must comply with Section 23D.04:
Submittal Process /Application Procedure of this Ordinance.
a. The Director shall only consider the following when determining whether a
building or any part of it may be demolished:
i. Structural conditions pose an imminent safety hazard.
ii. An advanced state of dilapidation or fire damage would make it
unfeasible to repair the building for any reasonable economic use.
iii. Significance. The Director shall consider the architectural and
historical significance of the structure individually, in relation to the
street, and as a part of the district as a whole. These same
considerations will be given to parts of the building. The Director will
also consider how the loss of a building, or a portion thereof, will
affect the character of the overlay district, the neighboring buildings,
and, in the case of partial demolition, the building itself. Buildings that
are noted as non contributing shall be researched to confirm that there
is no obscured architectural or historical significance.
In making its determination of significance, the Director shall consider
the following:
1. Architectural and historic information and significance.
2. Information contained in the district's National Register
nomination (if one exists).
3. The Hamilton County Interim Report, as amended, published
March 1992 by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.
4. Information contained in any other professionally conducted
historic surveys pertaining to this district.
5. The opinion of Staff.
6. Evidence presented by the applicant.
7. Evidence presented by recognized experts in architectural history.
Section 23D. 02(B)(5) amended per Ordinance Z- 523 -08,
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iv. Replacement: Demolition of a structure may be justified when, in
the opinion of the Director, the proposed new development with
which it will be replaced is of greater significance to the enhancement
of the overlay district than retention of the existing structure. This
will only be the case when the structure to be demolished is not of
material significance, the loss of the structure will have minimal effect
on the historic character of the district, and the new development will
be compatible, appropriate and beneficial to the district.
To afford the Director the ability to consider demolition on the basis
of replacement development, the applicant shall submit the
following:
1. information required by Section 23D.04: Submittal
Process /Application Procedure of this Ordinance;
2. a scaled streetscape drawing showing the new development in
its context, including at least two buildings on either side; and
other pertinent documents deemed relevant by the Director.
b. For the purpose of this Overlay ordinance, demolition shall be defined as the
razing, wrecking, or removal by any means of the entire or partial exterior of a
structure. The following examples are meant to help define demolition and are
not all inclusive:
i. The razing, wrecking, or removal of a total structure.
ii. The razing, wrecking, or removal of a part a structure, resulting in a
reduction in its mass, height or volume.
iii. The razing, wrecking, or removal of an enclosed or open addition.
Some work that may otherwise be considered demolition may be considered
rehabilitation, if done in conjunction with Site Plan and Design Review, per
Chapter 23D.04. Examples of rehabilitation include:
i. The removal or destruction of exterior siding and face material,
exterior surface trim and portions or exterior walls.
ii. The removal or destruction of those elements which provide enclosure at
openings in any exterior wall (e.g., window units, doors, panels.)
iii. The removal or destruction of architectural, decorative or
structural features and elements which are attached to the
exterior of a structure (e.g., parapets, cornices, brackets, chimneys.)
d. Examples of work not included in demolition:
Any work on the interior of a structure.
ii. The removal of exterior utility and mechanical equipment.
iii. The removal, when not structurally integrated with the main structure, of
awnings, gutters, downspouts, light fixtures, open fire escapes, and
other attachments.
iv. The removal of signs.
The removal of paint.
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vi. The removal of site improvement features such as fencing, sidewalks,
streets, driveways, curbs, alleys, landscaping and asphalt.
vii. The replacement of clear glass with no historic markings.
NOTE: Items ii -vi may be considered rehabilitation and require a Site
Plan and Design Review, per Chapter 23D.04 and a Letter of Grant.
C. However, where a building has been demolished due to fire or other accident or
disaster that is customarily covered by insurance, the owner may reconstruct the
property in accordance with the applicable guidelines in Section 23D.03, or in
substantially the same design as existed prior to the accident, after he /she
receives Site Plan and Design Review, per Section 23D.04 and a Letter of Grant.
f. Sunset Provision The provision of this subsection, 23D.02.B.5, as amended per
ordinance Z- 523 -08, shall expire on December 31, 2010.
C. Characteristics of Contributing Buildings
Buildings shall be considered Contributing, regardless of age, if they were originally built with all
of the following characteristics, or if they have been altered to conform with these characteristics:
The following are characteristic of Contributing Buildings in the Character Sub -Area and
the Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area:
a. Small lots and small size houses, compared to Carmel's later subdivisions.
b. Narrow house fronts compared to length.
C. Hip or gabled roofs.
d. Wood clapboard materials and wood or brick details.
C. Narrow, rectangular wood windows.
f. Detached garages in the rear of the property.
g. Consistent Setbacks from the street and narrow Side Yards.
It. Front porches (optional).
The following are characteristic elements of buildings in the Main Street Sub -Area:
a. Retail uses on the ground floor.
b. Transparent storefront glass for most of the length of the frontage.
C. Little or no Setback from the sidewalk or right -of -way line.
d. Orientation and front door opens toward Main Street.
C. Parking in the rear or sides of building, not in the front.
f. Pedestrian scale details and variety in the signs, awnings, and storefronts.
g. Buildings at least two (2) stories tall.
It. Walls faced in brick or wood, not concrete block or metal.
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23D.03
0
Guidelines
Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area
The Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area encompasses the houses and businesses north of Main
Street along Range Line Road. These buildings are generally larger than the others in the Old
Town area and are more architecturally distinctive. In addition, their high visibility contributes
greatly to the sense of Old Town as an historic area.
Renovations and Additions to All Existing Buildings
The following guidelines shall be applicable to all exterior renovations and additions to
existing buildings in the Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area, regardless of whether the
building is Contributing or Non contributing.
a. Lot Dimensions and Coverage
i. Existing lot dimensions as originally platted shall be acceptable.
ii. Minimum Lot Width
(a) Single family residence: Fifty (50) feet.
(b) All other Uses: Sixty (60) feet.
iii. Maximum Lot Coverage
(a) Single family Uses: Forty-five percent (45 of the area of
the lot
(b) All other Uses: Seventy percent (70 of the area of the lot.
iv. No lot may be created by Subdivision or by joining which results in a
width of greater than ninety (90) feet.
b. Setbacks
i. Additions, except for open -air porches, may not be added to the front of
the building except where the building is set back more than twenty
(20) feet from the setback line of its nearest two neighbors (See Figure
2b).
ii. A Corner Lot for a residential use is presumed to have a front yard
setback on both streets that it faces. For a non residential use, the front
yard shall be Range Line Road (if the property is located on Range
Line Road) or the street with the greatest traffic.
iii. Side and Rear Yard Setbacks shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from
the property line.
C. Materials Additions and alterations to the exterior will use materials consistent
with those found on the building when it was originally built.
d. Roof. Alterations that reduce the roof pitch of an existing building more than
five degrees (5 are not allowed. Additions may have a shed, gable, or hip roof.
Porch additions may have a flat roof.
C. Garages
i. All new garages must be either:
(a) Detached buildings that are sited at least five (5) feet behind
the Front Line of the Principal Building, or
2 Section 23D.03 amended per Ordinance No. Z- 453 -04,
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(b) Attached to the Principal Building so that the front face of the
garage is at least fifteen (15) feet further from the Front Lot
Line than the Front Line of the Principal Building. New
attached garages on Corner Lots should be oriented to the side
street, rather than to Range Line Road.
ii. New detached or attached garages and other Accessory Buildings
should use exterior materials similar to the Principal Building.
iii. Covered walkways attaching the garage to the Principal Building are
allowed.
f. Landscape and Lighting
A paved walkway from the porch or front door to the front sidewalk is
required.
ii. The remaining Front Yard of all buildings will be maintained with a
groomed landscape of low shrubs, ground cover, trees, flowers and/or
grass.
iii. Exterior lighting is restricted to lamps mounted on the building, seven
foot (7') maximum- height pole mounted decorative lights, and low
wattage landscape lighting.
iv. Fences greater than thirty -six inches (36 tall are not allowed in the
Front Yard of the property.
Chain link material is prohibited forward of the Front Line of the
Principal Building.
vi. Dumpsters and trash receptacles must be screened from view.
g. Ste Signage, where allowed, shall abide by the City of Carmel and Clay
Township Zoning Ordinance specified in Section 25.07.02 -13.
It. Parking and Driveways
Parking is not allowed in the Front Yard of any property, except on a
driveway leading to the garage.
ii. Driveways leading to the garage may not be wider than twelve (12)
feet, except within thirty (30) feet of the front of the garage, where the
driveway may be up to twenty -four (24) feet wide.
iii. Parking spaces required to be provided under the Zoning Ordinance
may be reduced by up to fifty percent (50 in order to accommodate
difficult site conditions such as limited access, small lots, and /or
existing mature trees.
iv. New curb cuts on Range Line Road will not be permitted unless there is
no alternative access from a side street.
i. Permitted Uses In addition to those uses allowed in the underlying zoning
district, retail uses shall be allowed in the Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area.
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Additional Guidelines for Alterations Additions to Contributing Buildings in the
Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area
Alterations and additions to existing, Contributing Buildings in the Historic Range Line
Road Sub -Area shall be guided by the following:
a. Demolition No Contributing Building, or any part of it, may be demolished in
this district without the consent of the Director. The Director shall only consider
the following when determining whether a building or any part of it may be
demolished:
i. Structural conditions pose an imminent safety hazard.
ii. An advanced state of dilapidation or fire damage would make it
unfeasible to repair the building for any reasonable economic use.
iii. The particular financial situation of the current owner or the current
owner's desired use for the property shall not be considered as factors
in determining consent for demolition.
b. Building Use Notwithstanding uses otherwise allowed by zoning, uses that
require Substantial Alteration or additions to the exterior of a Contributing
Building in order to accommodate the functional requirements will not be
allowed.
C. Materials
i. Details such as porch railings, trim boards, fascia boards, and cornices
may not be removed from the building.
ii. Original materials of the building will be repaired rather than replaced,
when possible.
iii. When original materials, windows, doors, siding, railings, and other
details cannot be repaired, they may only be replaced with
architecturally correct materials that simulate the look, details and
dimensions of the original. Substitute materials (vinyl, aluminum,
concrete plank, e.g.) must meet these standards in order to be
acceptable.
d. Alterations
Alterations to the interior of the historic building are allowed if the
exterior of the building is not changed.
ii. No alterations are allowed that permanently change the massing,
character, window placement or details of the exterior of the original
building.
iii. Previous additions or alterations to the building that detract from or
conceal the character of the building may be removed and the building
restored to a previous condition. In this process, no attempt should be
made to add "historic" features (e.g., bay windows or gingerbread trim)
not actually a part of the original building.
C. Additions
Additions are allowed only in the rear of the building.
ii. Additions may not be taller or wider than the existing building.
iii. Additions must be designed to complement, but not mimic, the historic
architecture.
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iv. Additions must be built in such a way that they can be removed in the
future without damage to the original building.
3. New Construction
The following guidelines apply to all new buildings built within the boundaries of the
Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area.
a. Building Mass
i. Buildings are to be oriented parallel and perpendicular to the street.
ii. Buildings will generally be longer than they are wide, with the narrow
dimension facing the street. Building widths may not exceed forty-five
(45) feet, except where the lot is greater than eighty (80) feet in width,
in which case the building may be up to fifty -five (55) feet wide.
b. Setbacks
i. New buildings must follow the dominant or average Front Yard
Setback dimension of existing buildings on the same block and on the
same side of the street, with a variation of up to three (3) feet allowed
(See Figure 2a).
ii. Side and Rear Yard Setbacks shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from
the property line.
C. Lot Dimensions and Coverage
i. Minimum Lot Width
(a) Single family Dwelling: Fifty (50) feet.
(b) All other Uses: Sixty (60) feet.
ii. Maximum Lot Coverage
(a) Single family Uses: Forty-five percent (45 of the area of
the lot
(b) All other Uses: Seventy percent (70 of the area of the lot.
iii. No lot may be created by Subdivision or by joining which results in a
width of greater than ninety (90) feet.
d. Materials
i. All sides of the Principal and Accessory Buildings must be clad in
wood, brick, stone, or high- quality vinyl siding. The same material
must be used on all sides of the building.
ii. New detached garages and other Accessory Buildings should use
exterior materials similar to the Principal Building.
iii. Windows and trim must be framed in wood or vinyl -clad wood.
iv. Visible aluminum storm windows or doors are not allowed.
V. Chimneys are to be brick.
vi. Exterior guardrails, handrails and other stair details may be wood or
wrought iron.
vii. Roofs are to be asphalt, wood or slate shingles.
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viii.
Foundations must be split -face block, stone veneer or poured -in -place
concrete.
C. Windows, Doors
i.
Vertical, rectangular double -hung or casement windows are required.
These may be used in multiple sets to create larger expanses of window
area.
ii.
Plate -glass picture windows, strip windows and arched windows are
not allowed on the front facade.
iii.
Special windows are allowed (ovals, hexagon, etc.) as accents.
f. Roof
i.
The roof of the Principal Building and Accessory Buildings shall be
gabled, multi gabled, or hipped, with a minimum pitch of eight to
twelve (8:12).
ii.
A roof over a porch or bay window may be flat or pitched.
g. Porches
i.
Covered porches facing the street on the first or upper floor of the
structure are strongly encouraged but not required.
ii.
Uncovered decks are not allowed in the front yard.
It. Building
Height
i.
Minimum: Thirteen (13) feet to the midpoint of the cornice and the
ridgeline.
ii.
Maximum: Thirty (30) feet to the midpoint of the cornice and the
ridgeline, except as provided in 7(c).
iii.
Buildings may not exceed the height of the tallest dimension of the
nearest two contributing buildings by more than seven (7) feet.
i. Garaizes
i.
All new garages must be either:
(a) Detached buildings that are sited at least five (5) feet behind
the Front Line of the Principal Building, or
(b) Attached to the Principal Building so that the front face of the
garage is at least fifteen (15) feet further from the Front Lot
Line than the Front Line of the Principal Building. New
attached garages on Corner Lots should be oriented to the side
street, rather than to Range Line Road.
ii. New detached or attached garages and other Accessory Buildings
should use exterior materials similar to the Principal Building.
iii. Covered walkways attaching the garage to the Principal Building are
allowed.
j. Landscape and Lighting
i. A paved walkway from the porch or front door to the front sidewalk is
required.
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ii. The remaining Front Yard of all buildings will be maintained with a
groomed landscape of low shrubs, ground cover, trees, flowers and/or
grass.
iii. Exterior lighting is restricted to lamps mounted on the building, seven
foot (7') maximum- height pole mounted decorative lights, and low
wattage landscape lighting.
iv. Fences greater than thirty-six (36) inches tall are not allowed in the
Front Yard of the property.
Chain link material is prohibited forward of the Front Line of the
Principal Building.
vi. Dumpsters and trash receptacles must be screened from view.
k. Signs Signage, where allowed, shall abide by Section 25.07.02 -13: Old Town
Carmel.
1. Parking and Driveway
Parking is not allowed in the Front Yard of any property, except on a
driveway leading to the garage.
ii. Driveways leading to the garage may not be wider than twelve (12)
feet, except within thirty (30) feet of the front of the garage, where the
driveway may be up to twenty -four (24) feet wide.
iii. Parking spaces required to be provided under the Zoning Ordinance
may be reduced by up to fifty percent (50 in order to accommodate
difficult site conditions such as limited access, small lots, and /or
existing mature trees.
iv. New curb cuts on Range Line Road will not be permitted unless there is
no alternative access from a side street.
m. Permitted Uses In addition to those uses allowed in the underlying zoning
district, retail uses will be allowed in the Historic Range Line Road Sub -Area.
B. Main Street District Sub -Area
Main Street west of Range Line Road is a relatively intact example of street front retail. The
emphasis is on encouraging new construction and renovations that conform to the desired
character and prohibiting changes that do not conform to the existing character.
This Sub -Area will be focal point of pedestrian commercial activity in the Old Town District. All
new construction, and alterations and additions to new buildings, will follow these guidelines:
Use. The underlying zoning in this district will prevail regarding permitted land uses,
with the following exceptions:
a. Only those uses allowed in B- 1/Business districts will be allowed on the ground
floor in areas that are designated as I- 1/Industrial districts;
b. No drive- through or drive -up facilities are allowed for any use, including
automotive, banking, or food sales.
C. Multi family residential uses will be specifically allowed and encouraged on the
upper floors of all buildings.
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Building mass
a. New buildings and renovations shall follow the general massing of a "Main
Street" commercial block, i.e., a rectangular building with a flat or slightly
sloped roof, oriented perpendicular to the street.
b. Building height is limited to three (3) floors.
C. The first floor and all other floors will have a coordinated composition, which
will usually be indicated by the alignment of upper floor windows and other
features with openings and features of the first floor.
Materials
a. The first floor and upper floors may be composed of different materials. The
facade of the upper floors on any building that faces a public street may be
constructed of wood siding, brick, stucco, or other masonry units, and trimmed
in stone, contrasting brick, wood, or pre -cast concrete.
b. The first floor of a new or renovated building must be composed of storefronts,
which may be inserted into a masonry, wood, stone or concrete panel frame
which is coordinated with the upper floor. Storefronts will be a lightweight
material such as aluminum, glass, wood, tile, and panelized composites.
C. The materials in the rear of the building must be coordinated with the front
facade, although they may be different.
d. On the front facade, at least sixty percent (60 of the total area of the first floor
(up to the line of the second floor) must be transparent vision glass.
e. Front and side facades of buildings located on corner lots shall be of the same
materials and similarly detailed.
f Exterior walks, steps, ramps and paving must be masonry or stone pavers, or
poured or pre -cast concrete.
4. Windows, Doors
a. A separate entrance facing a public street shall be provided to the upper floors of
a building if the use differs from the one on the ground floor.
b. Each floor shall have windows.
5. Roof Roofs must have a pitch of less than three to twelve (3:12) and will not be a
substantially visible part of the building.
6. Alterations and Additions Existing buildings may be substantially modified to conform
to these guidelines, except for designated historic structures.
7. Details
a. Cornices and other details of existing buildings may not be removed.
b. The facade should have a flat front, with relief provided by minor bays,
windows and window trim, storefronts, recessed doors, and features such as
special brick coursing, pilasters and lintels.
All new buildings will have an articulated cornice at the top of the facade wall.
Setbacks
a. Front Setback The buildings must sit on the front property line except for
minor recesses for entrances and outdoor seating /dining.
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b. Side setback There are no minimum side setbacks; however, mid -block
pedestrian access to rear parking must be a minimum of six (6) feet wide.
Entrances
a. The principal entrance to all retail areas must face the public street.
b. Additional entrances may face the side of the building.
No rear entrances are allowed except for residential or office uses, emergency
exits, employees, loading and trash removal.
10. Storefronts Storefronts shall be internally illuminated with spots or other incandescent
lighting, so as to display prominently and attractively the business or its products.
Exterior lighting may be affixed to the building.
11. Permanent Signs, Awnings and Murals
a. Maximum sign area First floor occupants are allowed a total of one and a half
(1' /2) square feet of sign for each linear foot of street frontage, except that no
single sign may exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
b. Freestanding permanent signs are not allowed.
C. Building signs must fit within the horizontal and vertical elements of the
building and may not obscure details of the building.
d. Signs may be perpendicular or flat mounted, including separately mounted
letters. Perpendicular signs may not extend more than five feet from the face of
the building.
e. No sign may extend above the cornice line of the building.
f. Allowable signs may also be painted in graphics in storefront or upper floor
windows. Signs may also be imprinted on awnings. Signs may also be painted
on the sides of buildings (see Subsection 116) below). All such signs will be
included in the calculations for maximum sign area.
g. Retractable or fixed fabric awnings are allowed, but these must fit within the
storefront glass area and may not obscure details of the building. Awnings may
only be supported with building- mounted hardware.
It. Individual tenants should strive for a unique graphic image, rather than be
required to conform to a single graphic style for the whole building.
i. Portable signs or displays of merchandise within the street right -of -way,
sidewalk or the front setback of the building will not be allowed.
j. Graphics painted on the sides of buildings that are essentially commercial in
character or describe activities in the adjacent building will be considered
"signs Graphics painted on the sides of buildings are otherwise allowed but
must be reviewed for conformance with this regulation.
12. Parking and Loading Requirements
a. Parking lots shall be located in the rear of the building only.
b. Parking shall be provided at the ratio of one space for every one thousand two
hundred (1200) square feet of gross area in the building. Where the total lot area
is less than three thousand (3000) square feet, the owner shall be exempt from
parking requirements.
C. On- street parking may not be used to fulfill parking requirements; however, a
reasonable share of a public lot may be assumed to fulfill these requirements.
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-13
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
d. Parking may be provided on -site or in a convenient remote lot not more than
four hundred (400) feet from the property.
C. Parking requirements may be reduced if businesses with substantially different
peak hour requirements agree to share parking. A petition must be filed with the
application indicating the terms of agreement of parties to a shared parking
arrangement.
f. No new curb cuts are allowed on Main Street, and no parking lots or loading
areas may front on Main Street.
g. Screened loading and trash areas shall be provided for all businesses at the rear
of the building.
C. Character Sub -Area
Character Sub -Areas consist of the bulk of the residential areas in the Old Town district both east
and west of Range Line Road, and both residential and commercial properties facing Range Line
Road in the north end of the District There are many different styles of architecture in this area;
however, the consistency and character of the neighborhood is worth protecting. The intent of
these guidelines is to preserve the character of the neighborhood by preserving certain building
and siting characteristics, without requiring that specific buildings or building elements be
preserved.
Renovations and Additions to Existing Buildings
The following guidelines shall be applicable to all exterior renovations and additions to
existing buildings in the Character Sub -Area, regardless of whether the building is
Contributing or Non contributing.
a. Lot Dimensions and Coverages
Existing lot dimensions as originally platted shall be acceptable.
ii. Minimum lot width
(a) Single family Residential: Fifty (50) feet.
(b) All Other Uses: Sixty (60) feet.
iii. Maximum Lot Coverage
(a) Single family Residential: Forty-five (45 of the area of the
Lot.
(b) All Other Uses: Seventy percent (70 of the area of the Lot.
iv. No lot may be created by Subdivision or by joining which results in a
width of greater than ninety (90) feet.
b. Setbacks
i. Additions, except for open -air porches, may not be added to the front of
the building except where the building is set back more than twenty
(20) feet from the Setback line of its nearest two neighbors (See Figure
2b).
ii. A Corner Lot for a residential use is presumed to have a Front Yard
Setback on both streets that it faces. For a non residential use, the
Front Yard shall be Range Line Road (if the property is located on
Range Line Road) or the street with the greatest traffic.
iii. Side and Rear Yard Setbacks shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from
the property line.
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-14
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
C. Materials
Additions and alterations to the exterior must be clad in wood, brick,
concrete plank or high quality vinyl siding.
ii. Materials of additions and alterations should be consistent with the
materials in the Principal Building.
d. Roof. Alterations that reduce the roof pitch of an existing building more than
five degrees (5 are not allowed. Additions may have a shed, gable, or hip roof.
Porch additions may have a flat roof.
Garaizes
All new garages must be either:
(a) Detached buildings that are sited at least five (5) feet behind
the Principal Building, or
(b) Attached to the Principal Building so that the front face of the
garage is at least fifteen (15) feet further from the Front Lot
Line than the primary front line of the Principal Building.
New attached garages on Corner Lots should be oriented to
the side street, rather than to Range Line Road.
ii. New detached or attached garages and other Accessory Buildings
should use exterior materials similar to the Principal Building.
iii. Covered walkways attaching the garage to the Principal Building are
allowed.
f. Landscape and Lighting
A paved walkway from the porch or front door to the front sidewalk is
required.
ii. The remaining Front Yard of all buildings will be maintained with a
groomed landscape of low shrubs, ground cover, trees, flowers and/or
grass.
iii. Exterior lighting is restricted to lamps mounted on the building, seven
foot (7') maximum- height pole mounted decorative lights, and low
wattage landscape lighting.
iv. Fences greater than thirty-six (36) inches tall are not allowed forward
of the Front Line of the Principal Building.
Vinyl covered chain -link material is allowed in the Front Yard except
on those properties which front on Range Line Road. For properties
fronting on Range Line Road, chain -link material is prohibited forward
of the Front Line of the Principal Building.
vi. Dumpsters and trash receptacle must be screened from view.
g. Signs Signage, where allowed, shall abide by the City of Carmel and Clay
Township Zoning Ordinance specified in Section 25.07.02 -13.
h. Parking and Driveways
Parking is not allowed in the Front Yard of any property, except on a
driveway leading to the garage.
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-15
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
ii. Driveways leading to the garage may not be wider than twelve (12)
feet, except within thirty (30) feet of the front of the garage, where the
driveway may be up to twenty -four (24) feet wide.
iii. Parking spaces required to be provided under the Zoning Ordinance
may be reduced by up to fifty percent (50 in order to accommodate
difficult site conditions such as limited access, small lots and /or
existing mature trees.
iv. New curb cuts on Range Line Road will not be permitted unless there is
no alternative access from a side street.
Additional Guidelines for Alterations Additions to Contributing Buildings in Character
Sub -Area
Alterations or additions to existing, Contributing buildings in the Character Sub -Area
shall be guided by the following guidelines. Nothing in these guidelines shall require a
change to a part of the building that is not otherwise affected by the proposed alteration
or addition.
a. Materials
i. All sides of the Principal and Accessory Buildings must be clad in
wood, brick, concrete plank or high quality vinyl siding.
ii. Windows and trim must be framed in wood or vinyl -clad wood.
iii. Clear finish or brush fmish aluminum storm windows or doors are not
allowed.
iv. Chimneys are to be brick.
V. Exterior guardrails, handrails and other stair details may be wood or
wrought iron.
vi. Roofs are to be asphalt, wood or slate shingles.
vii. Foundations must be split -face block, stone veneer or poured -in -place
concrete.
b. Where previous alterations have introduced inconsistent materials (simulated
stone, brick, metal, etc.) to a wood clapboard house, a new addition or alteration
that affects this part of the structure will require removal of the inconsistent
material.
C. Windows, Doors
i. Vertical, rectangular double -hung or casement windows are required.
These may be used in multiple sets to create larger expanses of window
area.
ii. Plate -glass picture windows, strip windows and arched windows are
not allowed on the front facade.
iii. Special windows are allowed (ovals, hexagon, etc.) as accents.
iv. Existing windows may be moved or replaced with windows that are
similar to the original building windows.
V. If a window is covered over or removed, the material on the exterior
must match the pre existing siding.
d. Roof Roofs shall be gabled, multi gabled, or hipped, with a minimum pitch of
eight to twelve (8:12). Porch roofs may be flat or pitched.
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-16
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
C. Porches
i. Removal of existing porches is prohibited, unless the porch is being
upgraded or replaced in a manner consistent with these guidelines.
ii. Existing porches shall only be enclosed with transparent glass
windows.
iii. Uncovered decks are not allowed if forward of the Front Line of the
Principal Building.
f. Building Height Additions to the existing building may not exceed the height
of the tallest dimension of the nearest Contributing buildings by more than seven
(7) feet.
3. New Construction
The following guidelines apply to all new buildings built within the boundaries of the
Character Sub -Area.
a. Building Mass
i. Buildings are to be oriented parallel and perpendicular to the street.
ii. Buildings will generally be longer than they are wide, with the narrow
dimension facing the street. Building widths may not exceed forty-five
(45) feet, except where the lot is greater than eighty (80) feet in width,
in which case the building may be up to fifty -five (55) feet wide.
b. Setbacks
i. New buildings must follow the dominant or average front yard Setback
dimension of existing buildings on the same block and on the same side
of the street, with a variation of up to three (3) feet allowed (See Figure
2a).
ii. Additions, except for open -air porches, may not be added to the front of
the building except where the building is set back more than twenty
(20) feet from the Setback line of its nearest two neighbors (See Figure
2b).
iii. A Corner Lot for a residential use is presumed to have a Front Yard
Setback on both streets that it faces. For a non residential use, the
Front Yard shall be Range Line Road (if the property is located on
Range Line Road) or the street with the greatest traffic.
iv. Side and Rear Yard Setbacks shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from
the property line.
C. Lot Dimensions and Coverage
i. Existing lot dimensions as originally platted shall be acceptable.
ii. Minimum lot width.
(a) Single family Residential: Fifty (50) feet.
(b) All Other Uses: Sixty (60) feet.
iii. Maximum Lot Coverage
(a) Single family Residential: Forty-five (45 of the area of the
Lot.
(b) All Other Uses: Seventy percent (70 of the area of the Lot.
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-17
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
iv. No lot may be created by Subdivision or by joining which results in a
width of greater than ninety (90) feet.
d. Garages
All new garages must be either:
(a) Detached buildings that are sited at least five (5) feet behind
the Principal Building, or
(b) Attached to the Principal Building so that the front face of the
garage is at least fifteen (15) feet further from the Front Lot
Line than the primary front line of the Principal Building.
New attached garages on Corner Lots should be oriented to
the side street, rather than to Range Line Road.
ii. New detached or attached garages and other Accessory Buildings
should use exterior materials similar to the Principal Building.
iii. Covered walkways attaching the garage to the Principal Building are
allowed.
C. Landscape and Lighting
A paved walkway from the porch or front door to the front sidewalk is
required.
ii. The remaining Front Yard of all buildings will be maintained with a
groomed landscape of low shrubs, ground cover, trees, flowers and/or
grass.
iii. Exterior lighting is restricted to lamps mounted on the building, seven
foot (7') maximum- height pole mounted decorative lights, and low
wattage landscape lighting.
iv. Fences greater than thirty -six (36) inches tall are not allowed forward
of the Front Line of the Principal Building.
Vinyl covered chain -link material is allowed in the Front Yard except
on those properties which front on Range Line Road. For properties
fronting on Range Line Road, chain -link material is prohibited forward
of the Front Line of the Principal Building.
vi. Dumpsters and trash receptacle must be screened from view.
f. Parking and Driveway
Parking is not allowed in the Front Yard of any property, except on a
driveway leading to the garage.
ii. Driveways leading to the garage may not be wider than twelve (12)
feet, except within thirty (30) feet of the front of the garage, where the
driveway may be up to twenty -four (24) feet wide.
iii. Parking spaces required to be provided under the Zoning Ordinance
may be reduced by up to fifty percent (50 in order to accommodate
difficult site conditions such as limited access, small lots and/or
existing mature trees.
iv. New curb cuts on Range Line Road will not be permitted unless there is
no alternative access from a side street.
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-18
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
g. Materials
i.
All sides of the Principal and Accessory Buildings must be clad in
wood, brick, stone, concrete plank or high quality vinyl siding. The
same material must be used on all sides of the building.
ii.
New garages and other Accessory Buildings shall use exterior materials
similar to the Principal Building.
iii.
Windows and trim must be framed in wood or vinyl -clad wood.
iv.
Visible aluminum storm windows or doors are not allowed.
V.
Chimneys are to be brick.
vi.
Exterior guardrails, handrails and other stair details may be wood or
wrought iron.
vii.
Roofs are to be asphalt, wood or slate shingles.
viii.
Foundations must be split -face block, stone veneer or poured -in -place
concrete.
It. Windows, Doors
i.
Vertical, rectangular double -hung or casement windows are required.
These may be used in multiple sets to create larger expanses of window
area.
ii.
Plate -glass picture windows, strip windows and arched windows are
not allowed on the front facade.
iii.
Special windows are allowed (ovals, hexagon, etc.) as accents.
i. Roof
i. The roof of the Principal Building and Accessory Buildings shall be
gabled, multi gabled, or hipped, with a minimum pitch of eight to
twelve (8:12).
ii. A roof over a porch or bay window may be flat or pitched.
j. Porches
i. Covered porches facing the street on the first or upper floor of the
structure are strongly encouraged but not required.
ii. Uncovered decks are not allowed in the front yard.
k. Building Height
i. Minimum: Thirteen (13) feet to the midpoint of the cornice and the
ridgeline.
ii. Maximum: Thirty (30) feet to the midpoint of the comice and the
ridgeline, except as provided in 7(c).
iii. Buildings may not exceed the height of the tallest dimension of the
nearest two Contributing Buildings by more than seven (7) feet.
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-19
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
23D.04 Submittal Process /Application Procedure
A. Consultation with Director and Application.
Applicants shall meet with the Director to review the zoning classification of their site, review the
regulatory ordinances and materials, review the procedures and examine the proposed use and
development of the property. The Director shall aid and advise the applicant in preparing his
application and supporting documents as necessary.
The applicant shall submit:
a. two (2) copies of the written Site Plan and Design Review application form,
b. two (2) copies of the Existing Features Site Analysis Plan including adjacent
zoning and land use,
two (2) copies of the proposed Site Plan and Drainage Plan, and/or
d. two (2) copies of the required information on architectural design, landscaping,
parking, signage, lighting and access, as well as
C. all necessary supporting documents and materials.
Site Plan Design Review (SDR) approval is not required where Architectural Design,
Exterior Lighting, Landscaping and Signage (ADLS) approval is required.
B. Review
Review of the Application and Supporting Documents and Materials by the Director; Following
the receipt of the written application and required supporting information by the Director, the
Director shall review the materials for the sole purpose of determining whether the application is
complete and in technical compliance with all applicable ordinances, laws and regulations.
If the materials submitted by the applicant are not complete or do not comply with the necessary
legal requirements, the Director shall inform the applicant of the deficiencies in said materials.
Unless and until the Director formally accepts the application as complete and in legal
compliance, it shall not be considered as formally filed for the purpose of proceeding to
succeeding steps toward approval as hereinafter set forth.
Within ten (10) days of the formal acceptance of the application by the Director, he shall
formally approve, deny, or request additional information about the petition.
C. Approval or Denial of the Application by the Commission
L An approved Site Plan and Design Review petition shall be valid for two (2) years from
the date of approval. If construction of the building(s) has (have) not started at the end of
the two -year period, the Site Plan and Design Review request must be re- submitted to the
Director.
2. If an approved Site Plan and Design Review petition is (are) substantially altered, re-
submittal to the Director for approval is required.
3. If the petition is denied by the Director, the Director shall provide the applicant with a
copy of said reasons, if requested.
4. The applicant may appeal the decision of the Director, as specified in Chapter 30.
Section 23D.04 amended per Ordinance No. Z- 453 -04,
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-20
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
0
oa
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-21
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
Carme 1 O 1 d Town Carmel, Indiana
Sub -area Boundaries (Figure 1) Revised FEB 2002
lii..�....�...�.,_� 1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
Figure 2a
New construction
Figure 2b
I ICJ L
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Dominant front yard
setback
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I
Neighbor's front setback
Addition not permitted
Greater than 20 feet
n
Addition permitted
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-22
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
Carmel, Indiana
January 2002
iii zoo o zoo
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-23
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
Carmel Old Town Contributing
Contributing Buildings (Figure 3)
Non Contributing
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 231): OLD TOWN DISTRICT OVERLAY ZONE
AMENDMENT LOG
Ordinance No.
Docket No.
Council Approval
Effective Date
Sections Affected
Z- 374 -02
96 -01a OA
April 1, 2002
April 1, 2002
ZO Ch 23D
Spring 2002 v1
Z- 453 -04
150 -02 OA
August 16, 2004
August 16, 2004
23D.03; 23D.04
Summer 2004 v 1
Z- 523 -08
08080003 OA
December 15, 2008
December 19, 2008
23D.02(B)(5)
Summer 2004 v I
Chapter 23D: Old Town District Overlay Zone
2313-24
as adopted per Z- 374 -02; Z- 453 -04. As amended per Z- 523 -08
Winter 2009 v
Cheer a c n e e r. i n c
Figure 2a
il
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W
Figure 2b
New construction I
Dominant front yard
setback
II L`
Neighbor's front setback
i
permitted
Addition not
p
gill
Greater than 20 feet
i I L f
i Addition permitted
u
Carme 1 O 1 d Town
Contributing Buildings (Figure 3)
Carmel, Indiana
Contributing
Non- Contributing
January 2002
Imp, 200 0 200