The Fishers Advisory Plan Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to send a proposal allowing accessory dwelling units in part of the Nickel Plate District to the City Council without a recommendation.
The commission’s decision does not stop the proposal. As an advisory body, it may forward zoning matters to the council with a favorable recommendation, an unfavorable recommendation or no recommendation. The City Council has final authority and is expected to consider the amendment Aug. 17.
Accessory dwelling units, sometimes called “granny flats” or “in-law suites,” are independent living spaces located on the same property as a single-family home. They may be built as detached structures, placed above garages or incorporated into existing homes.
The proposed amendment would permit the units in the Village Center zoning district. Because much of that district already consists of apartments and townhomes, city officials say the practical effect would be concentrated in the South Village area, generally south of Morgan Drive and along Meadows Drive and Lantern Road.
Under the proposed standards, an accessory dwelling unit could contain no more than 800 square feet, and only one would be permitted on a residential lot. The property owner would be required to live in either the primary residence or the accessory unit.
Each unit also would need a separate address or unit number and a paved route to a driveway or alley. Detached units could be up to 25 feet tall, while units constructed over garages could reach 42 feet. They would be required to follow the Nickel Plate District’s architectural standards.
The amendment would not require additional off-street parking beyond what is already required for the primary residence.
City planning staff recommended approval of the amendment. One written public comment opposing the proposal had been received when the staff report was prepared. The city also conducted a virtual town hall June 22 after mailing notices to property owners in the Village Center district.
Buckhaven development advances
In other business, the commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed Buckhaven residential development on 131st Street, just west of Interstate 69.
Pulte Homes is seeking to rezone 11.54 acres at 11798 and 11842 E. 131st St. from R2 residential zoning to a residential planned unit development. The proposal calls for 23 for-sale, single-family homes, a density of about two homes per acre.
The preliminary plan shows a single street ending in a cul-de-sac, along with two stub streets intended to provide future connections. The developer also would be required to construct acceleration and deceleration lanes along 131st Street, a 10-foot-wide path, neighborhood sidewalks and an outdoor gathering area.
Plans include a pond for stormwater treatment, a landscaped buffer and homes with side-loading garages. Buyers would have the option of adding a third garage bay. Final home designs would be subject to approval by the city’s PUD Committee.
No written public comments had been received when the staff report was completed. Pulte held a neighborhood meeting June 11, where nearby residents asked questions about the development and its proposed stub streets.
The Buckhaven rezoning also is expected to go before the Fishers City Council on Aug. 17 for final consideration.