Department of Community Services

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The mission of the Department of Community Services is to "professionally serve the Carmel/Clay community with the delivery of dependable, equitable, and relevant services to all our customers; to contribute to the general well-being of the citizens and the environment through consistent, fair enforcement of zoning and building codes; to promote high standards for proper planning and development within the community; to work to enhance the quality of life for the citizens through education and leadership; and to strive to make the Carmel/Clay community a desirable place to live and work." The Department considers both short and long-term needs for the general well being of its citizens and the environment, as the remaining acreage available for development undergoes change.

The Building Division is responsible for enforcing construction standards pursuant to the many building codes applicable within Indiana, which requires interaction with builders, and considerable record keeping and coordination by departmental staff. Code enforcement requires monitoring the sequence of required inspections on all construction within Carmel/Clay Township. Our Building Inspectors are certified by the State of Indiana in all areas of construction.

Much of the department income is generated by the issuance of Improvement Location Permits (building permits) and the accompanying inspections. These revenues in the past three years have been sufficient enough to allow the Department to operate at a break-even posture. The Building Division is also responsible for code enforcement on zoning violations, whether they are related to signage, grass and weed violations, unsafe buildings, etc.

The Planning and Zoning Division is responsible for ensuring that residential, commercial, and industrial development projects presented to the approving bodies meet all legal requirements. This involves many hours in the review of all facets of submittals such as project design, professional planning principles, drainage and utilities, transportation impact, compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, as well as landscape and safety issues. This Division also provides support through review and recommendation to the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, and coordinates updates of the Comprehensive Plan, including the Land Use and Thoroughfare Plans, as well as the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. All Department Planners are certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners.

In addition to certification by A.I.C.P., one Planner is also recognized by the State of Indiana as a Registered Landscape Architect.

In 1994 the Urban Forestry Program was implemented to coordinate sound practices in landscaping, tree planting, and preservation. The focus is to ensure that public tax dollars are spent wisely on the care and planting of Street Trees within the City. The program includes the planting of quality trees suited for the site where they are planted. A five-year pruning cycle has been implemented to provide timely removal of dangerous or dead trees, and includes preventative pruning of trees within the rights-of-way and other City owned property. This program also promotes tree planting on private property and the preservation of existing trees when developers propose new projects. The Urban Forester represents the best interests of trees and aesthetics at planning and zoning meetings and serves as a leader for tree-awareness programs. Overall, the program strives to extend the lives of trees beyond average and create a community tree population that is healthy, safe, increases the value of property, and overall makes the City of Carmel a beautiful place to live and work.

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