Last year, the Carmel City Council approved zoning changes to relax rules that originally mandated two-story buildings throughout Range Line Road.
The original zoning overlay led to some odd-looking buildings such as a two-story KFC and Walgreens. But last year, the council approved changes to the Carmel Drive-Range Line Road Overlay zone that protects tree buffers in some spots and struck down the second-story requirement in many parts of the road.
The plan had a sunset provision that would allow it to automatically expire and the council voted unanimously on March 2 to remove that provision and make the overlay permanent.
Councilors aid they are happy with the new changes and nobody spoke at the council’s public hearing.
It was said that the double-decker buildings – such as the Turkey Hill gas station next to Kroger – might be aesthetically pleasing because it provides a consistency along the street, but it could cause a cost-burden for developers and companies and some of the second-floor spaces remaining vacant.
The overlay allows for one-story developments from Executive Drive to 116th Street along Range Line Road. One- to two-story buildings are allowed on the east side of Range Line Road from Executive Drive to Main Street with west side of the street requiring two- to five-story buildings. Eighth Street to U.S. 31 also requires two- to five-story buildings. The Old Town District is exempt.
