HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 9-27-04CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
HEARING OFFICER
DEPARTMENT REPORT
September 27, 2004
2d. Carmel/Clay Schools, Carmel High School - Marching Band Tower
Thc applicant seeks the following development standards variance'
Docket No. 04080023 V Chapter 7.04.01 maximum height
The site is located at the northwest corner of'Keystone Ave and 136th St. The site is zoned R-
I/Residence. Filed by Aaron Reynolds of Paul I Crip¢, Inc for Carmel/Clay Schools.
General Information:
The applicant seeks approval to
construct a 44-ft tall tower to be
utilized by the marching band.
The ordinance only permits a
maximum height of 35 feet. The
variance for height is for 9.25
feet.
Background Information:
This item appeared before the
Technical Advisory Committee
on August 18. The Urban
Forrester brought up questions
about buffering and plantings.
Analysis'
The site on which this marching
band tower is proposed already houses the track and field area and a Parking lot. The marching band
tower is a use that complements the existing uses of this school property. The apparent height of the
tower would not be any different than if it were to be the required 35 feet. The petitioner will be
required to submit a landscape plan with proper buffer yard plantings, which will be approved by
the urban forester.
Findings of Fact:
The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals,
and general welfare of the community because' The variance of 9.25 feet for the marching
band tower is necessary for the school's marching band to be able to have effective practices.
The apparent height of the tower from an onlooker would not be very different than if it were to
be the required 35 feet.
2.)
The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be
affected in a substantially adverse manner because: It is the Department's opinion that the
use and value of the area adjacent to the property will not be affected in a substantially adverse
manner by allowing the 44.27-ft high marching band tower. The tower is a part of the high
school's marching band practices.
The strict application of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the property will result in
practical difficulties in the use of the property because'
The strict application of the Zoning Ordinance may result in practical difficulties in the use of
the property due to the fact that the tower cannot be at an effective height to allow proper
surveillance of thc marching band practices and their form, thus affecting their performances.
Recommendation'.
The staff recommends positive consideration o£ Docket No. 04080023 V (subject to prior submittal
of landscape plan with proper buffer yard plantings and urban forester approval).