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Hearing officer approves accessory building at driveway entrance for package drop, amid neighborhood concern
Summary
The hearing officer approved a small outbuilding at the driveway entrance of a large Pheasantfeld/Fazenfeld property for package drop‑off, after an opponent raised safety, traffic and maintenance concerns; approval was conditioned on addressing minor review comments and potential right‑of‑way adjustments.
A Carmel hearing officer approved a setback variance to allow a small accessory building near the driveway entrance of a 64‑acre parcel on West 116th Street that the petitioners say will serve as a secure package drop location.
Jennifer Milliken, zoning specialist with Ice Miller LLP, represented the property owners Fred and Suzanne Fazenfeld and described the parcel as roughly 64 acres with a winding, approximately 900‑foot driveway. Milliken said the structure is professionally designed to blend with the home and that the owners will move decorative fencing if right‑of‑way work requires it and at their expense. A neighboring resident, Carla Terry, testified in opposition citing safety and security concerns, increased truck traffic, damage to trees and mailboxes, and worries about maintenance of the property.
Tim Oakes, attorney with Ice Miller LLP, responded that the property is maintained, that the small accessory structure would reduce unnecessary driving on the property by delivery drivers, and that it would be well‑constructed and maintained. Planning staff supported the variance subject to resolving minor review comments in ProjectDocs and finalizing any Board of Public Works encroachment consent. The hearing officer approved the variance with those conditions and adopted the findings of fact. The petition was filed as docket PZ‑2025‑00114 (UDO §5.02(b)(1)).
