Hendricks County Council approves zoning change for Whispering Pines development by Pulte Homes

During the Avon Town Council meeting on April 10, 2025, significant discussions centered around two key ordinances concerning zoning changes in the Whispering Pines area. The council reviewed Ordinance 9, which proposed a zoning map amendment to rezone approximately 32 acres from R-1 to R-2, and Ordinance 10, which sought to modify existing written commitments from the early 2000s when the property was initially rezoned under Hendricks County's jurisdiction.

The property in question is located at the southwest corner of 625 and 150 South, adjacent to the existing Whispering Pines subdivision. Originally part of a larger 40-acre parcel, the site has been reduced due to existing developments, including a pool, clubhouse, and detention pond. The plan commission unanimously approved both ordinances during their March meeting, indicating a strong consensus on the proposed changes.

The proposed R-2 zoning would allow for smaller lot sizes and widths compared to the current R-1 zoning, which mandates a minimum lot width of 90 feet and a size of 15,000 square feet. The R-2 designation would reduce these requirements to 80 feet and 12,500 square feet, respectively. However, the modifications to the commitments would ensure that the new development maintains larger lot sizes and widths than typically allowed under R-2 zoning without commitments.

The council noted that the original plan for the site included a maximum of 64 lots, but the developer, Pulte Homes, initially sought to increase this number to 71. After feedback from the planning commission, Pulte withdrew this request, opting instead for a more modest increase in lot sizes, which would provide a logical transition between the existing neighborhoods.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of adhering to state statutes that outline criteria for zoning amendments, including alignment with the comprehensive plan, current conditions in the district, and the desirability of land use. The planning staff concluded that the proposed changes would not negatively impact property values and would facilitate responsible development in the area.

As the council moves forward with these ordinances, the implications for residential development in Avon are significant. The adjustments reflect a growing demand for housing while balancing the need for community standards and property values. The next steps will involve further evaluations and potential public feedback as the council finalizes its decisions on these zoning changes.