HomeMy WebLinkAboutDept Report 10-13-04CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
HEARING OFFICER DEPARTMENT REPORT
October 13, 2004
Ih. Carmel/Clay Schools, Carmel High School - Marching'Band Tower
The applicant seeks the following development standards variance:
Docket No. 04080023 V Chapter 7.04.01 maximum height
The site is located at the northwest comer of Keystone Ave and 136th St. The site is zoned R-l/Residence.
Filed by Aaron Reynolds of Paul I Cripe, Inc for.Carmel/Clay Schools.
General Information:
The applicant seeks approval to
construct a 44-ff 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:
1.) The approval of this variance will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and
general weffare 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.
3.) 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 the marching band practices and their form, thus affecting their performances.
Recommendation'
The staff recommends positive consideration of Docket No. 04080023 V (subject to prior submittal of
landscape plan with proper buffer yard plantings and urban forester approval).