Carmel's UDO Section 5.18 (HO-01) allows a Home Occupation as an Accessory Use in residential and many mixed-use districts. It may use no more than 15% of the dwelling's gross floor area, must not change the dwelling's residential character, allow no outdoor storage or display, and create no outside nuisance (noise, odor, glare, etc.).
A home-based business in Carmel is regulated as a 'Home Occupation,' defined in the UDO as an accessory use conducted in a single-, two-, or multiple-family dwelling that is clearly incidental and secondary to the dwelling's residential use. The operating standards are in UDO Section 5.18 (HO-01). Key zoning limits: (1) Floor area - the home occupation may use no more than fifteen percent (15%) of the dwelling's gross floor area; (2) Character - it must not change the character of the dwelling, lot, or parcel, and the dwelling must bear no exterior indication it is used for any purpose other than a dwelling; (3) No outdoor storage or display of materials connected with the occupation; (4) Nuisance - it must be conducted wholly within the dwelling so there is no outside noise, vibration, odor, smoke, dust, glare, or electrical disturbance; and (5) Equipment - only equipment customarily used for domestic purposes or found in a business office is allowed. Per the Appendix A land-use matrix, home occupation is a permitted accessory use in the S1, S2, R1-R5 residential districts and in numerous business and mixed-use districts. Carmel's planning jurisdiction also covers unincorporated Clay Township, Hamilton County. The UDO is administered by the Department of Community Services / Plan Commission.
Operating a home occupation that exceeds 15% of floor area, alters the dwelling's residential character, involves outdoor storage, or causes off-site nuisances violates Section 5.18 and is enforceable under UDO Article 10 (Violations and Penalties).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Carmel City Code § 6-88 (Removal of Weeds, Debris, and Other Such Rank Vegetation) requires owners to remove weeds and rank vegetation over six inches averag...
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