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BZA updates rules language to allow board to set meeting times annually and keeps 2026 meetings at evening hours
Summary
The board amended its rules of procedure to remove a fixed meeting time, allowing the board to set meeting times by majority vote, and then approved the 2026 calendar while keeping meeting times at the same evening slots used in 2025 to preserve public accessibility.
Carmel’s Board of Zoning Appeals voted to amend its rules of procedure to remove a specific, fixed meeting time and instead permit the board to determine meeting times by a majority vote (typically decided annually when adopting the calendar). Legal counsel explained the change mirrors recent language adopted by the Plan Commission and is intended to give the board flexibility.
After discussing public accessibility and the pros and cons of daytime versus evening meetings, the board approved the 2026 calendar and opted to retain the current meeting times for 2026 (hearing officer meeting begins between 5–5:30 p.m., regular meetings at 6 p.m.). Several members emphasized evening meetings encourage public participation; others noted flexibility might be needed in the future. The board adopted the amended procedure language and the 2026 calendar on the record.
