Carmel plan panel backs updated UDO fee schedule, keeps public hearing open

The Carmel Plan Commission's combined residential and commercial committee voted Nov. 4 to forward an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance's fee schedule to the full commission with a favorable recommendation, while keeping the public hearing open for additional input.

Mike Hollabaugh, Director of Community Services, told the committee the filing updates UDO Article 1.29 and represents the first comprehensive revision of the city's schedule of fees since 2003. "This proposal'... it's not in a hurry and it's not a rush, but certainly the sooner that we can come to an agreement and get this over the goal line, the better for DOCS," Hollabaugh said, noting roughly 35 new fees and a desire to reflect how inspections and permitting are done today.

No members of the public spoke for or against the amendment at the committee meeting. Department staff recommended that the amendment be returned to the full Plan Commission with a favorable recommendation. Chair read the staff recommendation and asked for a motion; the committee moved and seconded the recommendation and voted in favor.

The committee deliberately left the public hearing open so the matter can be revisited and additional public comment considered when the item reaches the full Plan Commission. Hollabaugh also said portions of the language rely on established administrative code definitions; the committee flagged minor drafting and clarity edits for staff to address before the full commission packet.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the drafting edits and return the ordinance amendment and the department report to the full Plan Commission for a final public hearing and vote. Because the committee kept the hearing open, members of the public will still be able to submit comments at the full Plan Commission meeting.

Sources: Department of Community Services presentation and committee discussion at the Nov. 4, 2025 committee meeting.