Avon board approves special exception for Chase Bank drive-through in US 36 overlay

The Avon Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception to allow a drive-through at the Chase Bank site at the southeast corner of U.S. 36 and Avon Avenue, board members said during a meeting in Avon.

Staff told the board the petition, SE 25-03, seeks permission for a drive-through paired with construction of an approximately 3,500-square-foot bank building that would replace an existing ~2,000-square-foot building. Paul, a town staff member, recommended approval, saying staff found the proposal met the four required special-exception findings in the Unified Development Ordinance and the three optional considerations, and would not be detrimental to surrounding properties.

The petition applies to three platted lots (Lots 11, 12 and 13 of Avon Square Section 1) totaling about 1.17 acres. The proposed site plan shows the drive-through on the east side of the new building with two ATM/drive-up lanes (replacing an existing configuration that previously had five lanes), a bypass lane, and stacking space that staff said meets overlay standards. The plan includes 33 parking spaces, two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) spaces, and removal of an existing curb cut near the U.S. 36/Avon Avenue intersection at the request of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).

Staff noted the project lies within Tier 1 of Avon's U.S. 36 overlay (approximately 260 feet north and south of the U.S. 36 right-of-way line) where drive-throughs require a special exception. Staff also said a development plan review (DPR) petition has been filed and is scheduled for the town Plan Commission's November hearing; one architectural waiver is requested to reduce glazing on the building's front facade.

Petitioner Chad Mays of Kimley-Horn and Associates said the site is about 1.17 acres, would provide 33 spaces including two ADA spaces, and that the existing curb cut near the intersection would be removed. He described the proposal as a demolition and rebuild to replace the current bank with a larger Chase Bank building.

A board member said the staff report was thorough and supported approval. Catharina Rainsburg moved to approve SE 25-03, and Marcy Tashler seconded. In a roll-call vote the members present voted in favor: Ann Inman, Catharina Rainsburg, Marcy Tashler and Marcus Turner. The motion carried; the board approved the special exception subject to the approved findings and the condition that the project be in substantial compliance with the site plan on file.

The board's action allows the drive-through special exception but does not substitute for later plan commissions or building approvals: staff and the petitioner noted the redevelopment will require a replat of the three lots into a single lot as part of the DPR process and final approvals, and the project remains subject to INDOT and town permitting requirements.