The Board of Zoning Appeals hearing officer on Sept. 29 approved a variance allowing a homeowner in Downtown Carmel to exceed the UDO lot‑coverage standard to install a small fiberglass pool, pergola and a permeable paver patio.

Rob Shea of Oasis Outdoor Living and Landscapes, speaking for homeowners Chris and Kelly D’Azzio, said the design requests 52 percent lot coverage where the limit is 45 percent; he told the board the home’s existing configuration already used about 44.5 percent of allowed coverage and the proposed pool is “on the smaller side” of typical pools in Carmel. Shea said the homeowners had paid $6,000 into the city’s thoroughfare/stormwater fund at the city’s request.

Staff reported the petitioner was working with Carmel Engineering to address grading and drainage review comments and confirmed the $6,000 payment was on record. Planning staff said the engineering department identified no objection to the lot‑coverage request; the Department of Community Services recommended approval with adoption of findings of fact.

Shea described screening and a variable‑speed pump to reduce noise and said the team would maintain a three‑foot buffer from existing easements. The hearing officer approved the variance; no public comments were recorded in opposition.

Planning staff noted the city does not officially treat all permeable installations as exempt from lot‑coverage rules, and the petitioner’s design seeks to maximize permeable features; final drainage/detention requirements will be resolved through engineering review and the building‑permit process.