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Council approves Encore at Linden Walk zoning for 99-acre, age-restricted subdivision
Summary
The council unanimously approved two ordinances (39-11-25 and 40-11-25) to rezone roughly 99 acres for Encore at Linden Walk, a 210-lot, 55+ single-family subdivision with commitments on porches, anti-monotony and a 15% cap. Applicant confirmed no conflicts between rental commitments and age restrictions.
The Noblesville City Council voted 9-0 on Nov. 4 to approve two ordinances to rezone about 99 acres at the southeast corner of Prairie Baptist Road and East 156th Street for a new development called Encore at Linden Walk.
Planning staff described the applications as a change from Hamilton County Agriculture Subdivision zoning to R3 moderate-to-high-density single-family residential (Ordinance 39-11-25) and companion adoption of an R3/PD residential plan development (Ordinance 40-11-25). The proposal covers five parcels and would create about 210 lots for sale as age-restricted (55+) detached single-family homes with private amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool and about 1 mile of internal trails. The applicant sought a number of waivers to bulk and landscaping standards in the Unified Development Ordinance; staff noted the plan commission gave a favorable and unanimous recommendation on Oct. 27.
Attorney Jim Shinniver, representing David Weekley Homes, said the developer has included rental commitments in its brochure — including HOPA age-restriction requirements and a 15% cap limit identified by Councilor Thurston — and said those commitments and the preliminary development plan reflect changes from the ARB and planning process. Shinniver said neighborhood and ARB meetings had no public attendees and that the applicant would follow up promptly with an annexation request if the ordinances were approved.
Council members raised detailed questions about the front-porch requirement (an 80% commitment) and whether stoops would count; the applicant said Exhibit C of the PD ordinance requires porches to be at least 6 feet deep and that stoops/entryways would not qualify. Members also asked about sod/landscaping packages and anti-monotony rules; developers said they will confirm construction and landscaping details with their project managers and that they had adopted the more restrictive anti-monotony definition recommended by ARB.
After questions, Mister Davis moved and the council approved both ordinances by roll-call vote (9 ayes, 0 nays). The applicant thanked council staff and indicated plans to file for annexation and proceed with the project schedule.
