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Carmel plan committee approves composite siding for Commons at City Center condo building
Summary
The Carmel Plan Committee voted unanimously to allow a composite cladding product (Ascend Siding) to replace deteriorating fiber-cement siding on a condo building at 451 American Way after presentations from the HOA and the product manufacturer and a staff recommendation to approve.
The Carmel Plan Committee on Sept. 30 approved a petition by the Commons at City Center homeowners association to replace failing fiber‑cement siding with a composite product called Ascend Siding on a condominium building at 451 American Way.
Homeowners Association treasurer Tim Lima told the committee the existing cementitious siding has deteriorated in many places and that the HOA’s board and residents support the change. Lima said the HOA asked residents at a recent meeting and collected 28 signatures in favor of the siding replacement.
Rachel Keesling of the Department of Community Services told the committee the project could not be approved administratively because the site is zoned C1 City Center and the proposed composite differs from the material approved when the building was constructed. Keesling said the department recommended approval “because of the location that it would be placed in.”
Don Hicks, who identified himself as the manufacturer’s representative for Ascend Siding, described the product as a composite cladding with a Class A fire rating and a foam-backed panel that he said provides added insulation. Hicks said the product has been installed in apartment complexes in other states and carries a lifetime warranty. He told the committee: “It’s a class a fire rating.”
Committee members asked about profile, color matching and durability. Lima and Hicks confirmed the panels use a 7‑inch reveal that matches the existing profile and said the sample colors closely match the building’s current palette. Hicks said the product is designed to require less frequent painting and caulking than the current material.
After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the petition; another committee member seconded the motion. The committee voted to approve the siding change 8–0.
The committee recorded the approval as the Plan Commission’s decision; staff said the materials and final project details will be documented in project files and that the petitioner will proceed with permitting according to the approved plan.
The committee did not record a formal amendment to the original approvals beyond the material substitution. Staff noted there is no UDO prohibition on composite cladding but that the committee’s review was appropriate because the proposed material differs from the originally approved fiber‑cement siding.
The committee closed the item after the unanimous vote and moved to the next docket.
