Carmel committee considers citywide cap on single‑family rentals after mixed public comment

Several Carmel residents and homeowner‑association representatives urged the committee to adopt ordinance D‑2770‑25, which would require owners of residential rental dwellings to register and obtain permits and would limit permitted rental dwellings to 10% per platted subdivision and 10% citywide.

In public comment, Lawrence McCormack said, “I rise in support of ordinance d 27 70 dash 25,” and described an influx of out‑of‑state corporate buyers and absentee landlords in his Northeast Carmel neighborhood. Rick Anderson and Ed Shaughnessy (reading a letter from Susan McClain) told the committee they supported a citywide cap because they said rental concentrations have harmed property upkeep and home values. Jason Beyer and other residents described turnover and difficulty for prospective buyers when homes are bought for rentals.

Several speakers opposed the ordinance. Tom Lazara, a longtime resident and property manager, said he opposed the measure “in almost every way, shape, and form” and urged enforcement of existing rules rather than new restrictions. Chris Pryor of the MiBoer Realtor Association told the…