Planning & Zoning.

Planning & Zoning.

.

Welcome.

The Planning and Zoning Department serves as the staff to the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, the Elkhart Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission, and the Plat Committee.  Planning and Zoning is also in charge of all enforcement of the zoning standards of the City as dictated by the Zoning Ordinance.

In addition, Planning and Zoning reviews all building permits for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance. Other responsibilities include floodplain management and community service, updating and maintaining the official Zoning Map, as well as preparing and updating the Comprehensive Plan.

For Building Permits, please visit the Permit Center.

For the Building Department or Code Enforcement, please visit their homepage.

For Public Works and Utilities, please visit their homepage.

Eric Trotter
Assistant Director of Planning & Zoning
Eric.Trotter@coei.org

Public Record Request.

Zoning Map.

.

.

Welcome.

The Planning and Zoning Department serves as the staff to the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, the Elkhart Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission, and the Plat Committee.  Planning and Zoning is also in charge of all enforcement of the zoning standards of the City as dictated by the Zoning Ordinance.

In addition, Planning and Zoning reviews all building permits for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance. Other responsibilities include floodplain management and community service, updating and maintaining the official Zoning Map, as well as preparing and updating the Comprehensive Plan.

For Building Permits, please visit the Permit Center.

For the Building Department or Code Enforcement, please visit their homepage.

For Public Works and Utilities, please visit their homepage.

Eric Trotter
Assistant Director of Planning & Zoning
Eric.Trotter@coei.org

Public Record Request.

Zoning Map.

Plan
Commission.

.

The Elkhart City Plan Commission reviews and approves or recommends action to the Common Council or Board of Zoning Appeals on Rezonings, Subdivisions, Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and PUD Amendments, Annexations, Special Exceptions, Wireless Communication Facilities, and other development proposals. The Plan Commission also hears appeals from the decisions of the Plat Committee.

The Commission is made up of nine members, including a representative from the Common Council, Parks Board and Board of Works, the City Engineer, and five citizen members.  The Plan Commission holds its regular meetings on the first Monday of every month at 1:45 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Members:

  • Tory Irwin, President
  • Dave Osborne, Vice-President
  • Aaron Mishler, Secretary
  • Ron Davis
  • Diana Lawson
  • Dan Boecher
  • Christopher Baiker
  • Rochali Newbill

2024 Plan Commission Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Friday, December 1, 2023 Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, December 29, 2023 Monday, February 5, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, February 2, 2024 Monday, March 4, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, March 1, 2024 Monday, April 1, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, March 28, 2024 Monday, May 6, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, May 3, 2024 Monday, June 3, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, May 31, 2024 Monday, July 1, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, June 28, 2024 Monday, August 5, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, August 2, 2024 Tuesday, September 3, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, August 30, 2024 Monday, October 7, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, October 4, 2024 Monday, November 4, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, November 1, 2024 Monday, December 2, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, November 27, 2024 Tuesday, January 6, 2025 Agenda Packet Minutes

Board of
Zoning Appeals...

The Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a quasi-judicial body whose purpose is the review and consideration of all requests for relief from any standard in the Zoning Ordinance including variances, use variances, special exceptions, conditional use requests, and administrative appeals.  Per State statute, members of the BZA may not be contacted regarding a case prior to the public hearing for a case.  The BZA is comprised of five members, including two Plan Commission members and three citizen members.  The BZA meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Board Members:

  • Doug Mulvaney
  • Ron Davis
  • Janet Evanega-Rieckhoff
  • Phalene Leichtman

2024 Board of Zoning Appeals Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Friday, December 8, 2023 Thursday, January 11, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, January 5, 2024 Thursday, February 8, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, February 2, 2024 Thursday, March 14, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, March 8, 2024 Thursday, April 11, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, April 5, 2024 Thursday, May 9, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, May 3, 2024 Thursday, June 13, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, June 7, 2024 Thursday, July 11, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, July 5 2024 Thursday, August 8, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, August 2, 2024 Thursday, September 12, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, September 6, 2024 Thursday, October 10, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, October 4, 2024 Thursday, November 14, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, November 8, 2024 Thursday, December 12, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, December 6, 2024 Thursday, January 9, 2025 Agenda  Packet  Minutes

Historic & Cultural
Preservation Commission...

The Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission is responsible for overseeing development in the City’s Local Historic Districts and assist property owners in applying for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Properties located in the historic district must conform to Rehabilitation Guidelines contained in the Historic and Cultural Preservation ordinance. All exterior changes to properties in historic districts must be approved by the Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission prior to the start of construction. The HCPC meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Members:

  • Ann Linley, President
  • Bill Zimmerman, Vice President
  • JA Whitmer, Treasurer
  • Bobby Glassburn
  • Raymond Enfield

Webex Meeting Information:

  • Join via meeting link:
  • Meeting Number (Access Code):
  • Meeting Password:

2024 Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Thursday, January 4, 2024 Thursday, January 18, 2024 – CANCELLED Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, February 1, 2024 Thursday, February 15, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, March 7, 2024 Thursday, March 21, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, April 4, 2024 Thursday, April 18, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, May 2, 2024 Thursday, May 16, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, June 6, 2024 Thursday, June 20, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 Thursday, July 18, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, August 1, 2024 Thursday, August 15, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, September 5, 2024 Thursday, September 19, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, October 3, 2024 Thursday, October 17, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, November 7, 2024 Thursday, November 21, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, December 5, 2024 Thursday, December 19, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes

Historic Districts and Single Sites

Plat
Committee...

The Plat Committee is appointed by the Plan Commission to act on its behalf.  The Plat Committee has the authority to grant primary approval, conditional approval or disapproval of all Minor Subdivisions, grant primary approval, conditional approval or disapproval of all other subdivisions of 3 lots or less, and grant secondary approval for all subdivisions of three lots or less.  The Plat Committee is made up of three members and meets on demand in the Planning Services Division office.

Members:

  • Jeffrey D. Schaffer, Chair
  • Tory Irwin
  • Eric Trotter

Technical
Review..

Technical Review meetings are held to review a proposed development and resolve non-compliance issues. The departments present are Planning & Zoning, Fire, and Public Works. The developer or project representatives are invited to attend these meetings to answer any questions the staff may have.  Staff comments regarding a proposed development are sent to applicants prior to these meetings. Technical Review meetings are held as necessary on a biweekly basis at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of Works Conference Room, 3rd floor, Municipal Building.

2024 Technical Review Application Packet with Calendar

Drainage Requirements – Updated February 2024

Please submit Technical Review applications to:

Public Works & Utilities

1201 S. Nappanee St.

Elkhart, IN 46516

If you have questions, please contact us.

Zoning
Verification Request...

For identifying the current zoning of a parcel/address without requesting a formal verification letter please contact Ryan Smith ryan.smith@coei.org 574-322-4489.

Use this form to request a standard Zoning Verification letter. Fill out the form completely and we will provide the letter to the email on the form within 3-5 business days. If additional information is needed, there will be a $50 research fee and the request may take longer to fulfill.

Download the Zoning Verification Letter

Comprehensive Plan
& Zoning Ordinance...

Zoning Ordinance

The City of Elkhart Zoning Ordinance outlines the standards and requirements that are used to establish a regulatory system for City processes and development within the City.  These standards ultimately help guide future land use to be beneficial and productive for the City.  The ordinance identifies the zoning districts within the city and highlights the permitted uses within each district.  Zoning districts are established to maintain public health and safety while encouraging the beneficial development of the City. This document is enforced to help reach the goals that are outlined in the comprehensive plan.  This document also establishes the structure for public meetings that are conducted to uphold the policies herein.  The enforcement of this zoning ordinance is aimed at creating and maintaining a community that maximizes its potential for both comfortable living and working. City of Elkhart Zoning Ordinance.pdf

Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan, adopted February 2, 2015, will be used by the City of Elkhart Plan Commission and City Council as required under Indiana Law. This plan serves as the basis for development and infrastructure policy related to development, redevelopment and management of land uses. This plan should provide the policy basis to support any changes in the Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinance as well as provide guidance on the creation of a Capital Improvements Plan.

Subdivision Ordinance

For questions regarding the Subdivision Ordinance, please contact us.

Plan
Commission.

.

The Elkhart City Plan Commission reviews and approves or recommends action to the Common Council or Board of Zoning Appeals on Rezonings, Subdivisions, Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and PUD Amendments, Annexations, Special Exceptions, Wireless Communication Facilities, and other development proposals. The Plan Commission also hears appeals from the decisions of the Plat Committee.

The Commission is made up of nine members, including a representative from the Common Council, Parks Board and Board of Works, the City Engineer, and five citizen members.  The Plan Commission holds its regular meetings on the first Monday of every month at 1:45 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Members:

  • Tory Irwin, President
  • Dave Osborne, Vice-President
  • Aaron Mishler, Secretary
  • Ron Davis
  • Diana Lawson
  • Dan Boecher
  • Christopher Baiker
  • Rochali Newbill

2024 Plan Commission Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Friday, December 1, 2023 Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, December 29, 2023 Monday, February 5, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, February 2, 2024 Monday, March 4, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, March 1, 2024 Monday, April 1, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, March 28, 2024 Monday, May 6, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, May 3, 2024 Monday, June 3, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, May 31, 2024 Monday, July 1, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, June 28, 2024 Monday, August 5, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, August 2, 2024 Tuesday, September 3, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, August 30, 2024 Monday, October 7, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, October 4, 2024 Monday, November 4, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, November 1, 2024 Monday, December 2, 2024 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, November 27, 2024 Tuesday, January 6, 2025 Agenda Packet Minutes

Board of
Zoning Appeals...

The Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a quasi-judicial body whose purpose is the review and consideration of all requests for relief from any standard in the Zoning Ordinance including variances, use variances, special exceptions, conditional use requests, and administrative appeals.  Per State statute, members of the BZA may not be contacted regarding a case prior to the public hearing for a case.  The BZA is comprised of five members, including two Plan Commission members and three citizen members.  The BZA meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Board Members:

  • Doug Mulvaney
  • Ron Davis
  • Janet Evanega-Rieckhoff
  • Phalene Leichtman

2024 Board of Zoning Appeals Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Friday, December 8, 2023 Thursday, January 11, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, January 5, 2024 Thursday, February 8, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, February 2, 2024 Thursday, March 14, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, March 8, 2024 Thursday, April 11, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, April 5, 2024 Thursday, May 9, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, May 3, 2024 Thursday, June 13, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, June 7, 2024 Thursday, July 11, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, July 5, 2024 Thursday, August 8, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, August 2, 2024 Thursday, September 12, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, September 6, 2024 Thursday, October 10, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, October 4, 2024 Thursday, November 14, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, November 8, 2024 Thursday, December 12, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, December 6, 2024 Thursday, January 9, 2025 Agenda  Packet  Minutes

Historic & Cultural
Preservation Commission...

The Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission is responsible for overseeing development in the City’s Local Historic Districts and assist property owners in applying for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Properties located in the historic district must conform to Rehabilitation Guidelines contained in the Historic and Cultural Preservation ordinance. All exterior changes to properties in historic districts must be approved by the Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission prior to the start of construction. The HCPC meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Members:

  • Ann Linley, President
  • Bill Zimmerman, Vice President
  • JA Whitmer, Treasurer
  • Bobby Glassburn
  • Raymond Enfield

Webex Meeting Information:

  • Join via meeting link:
  • Meeting Number (Access Code):
  • Meeting Password:

2024 Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Thursday, January 4, 2024 Thursday, January 18, 2024 – CANCELLED Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, February 1, 2024 Thursday, February 15, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, March 7, 2024 Thursday, March 21, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, April 4, 2024 Thursday, April 18, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, May 2, 2024 Thursday, May 16, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, June 6, 2024 Thursday, June 20, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, July 3, 2024 Thursday, July 18, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, August 1, 2024 Thursday, August 15, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, September 5, 2024 Thursday, September 19, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, October 3, 2024 Thursday, October 17, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, November 7, 2024 Thursday, November 21, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, December 5, 2024 Thursday, December 19, 2024 Agenda  Packet  Minutes

Plat
Committee...

The Plat Committee is appointed by the Plan Commission to act on its behalf.  The Plat Committee has the authority to grant primary approval, conditional approval or disapproval of all Minor Subdivisions, grant primary approval, conditional approval or disapproval of all other subdivisions of 3 lots or less, and grant secondary approval for all subdivisions of three lots or less.  The Plat Committee is made up of three members and meets on demand in the Planning Services Division office.

Members:

  • Jeffrey D. Schaffer, Chair
  • Tory Irwin
  • Eric Trotter

Technical
Review..

Technical Review meetings are held to review a proposed development and resolve non-compliance issues. The departments present are Planning & Zoning, Fire, and Public Works. The developer or project representatives are invited to attend these meetings to answer any questions the staff may have.  Staff comments regarding a proposed development are sent to applicants prior to these meetings. Technical Review meetings are held as necessary on a biweekly basis at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of Works Conference Room, 3rd floor, Municipal Building.

2024 Technical Review Application Packet with Calendar

Drainage Requirements – Updated February 2024

Please submit Technical Review applications to:

Public Works & Utilities

1201 S. Nappanee St.

Elkhart, IN 46516

If you have questions, please contact us.

Zoning
Verification Request...

For identifying the current zoning of a parcel/address without requesting a formal verification letter please contact Ryan Smith ryan.smith@coei.org 574-322-4489.

Use this form to request a standard Zoning Verification letter. Fill out the form completely and we will provide the letter to the email on the form within 3-5 business days. If additional information is needed, there will be a $50 research fee and the request may take longer to fulfill.

Download the Zoning Verification Letter

Comprehensive Plan
& Zoning Ordinance...

Zoning Ordinance

The City of Elkhart Zoning Ordinance outlines the standards and requirements that are used to establish a regulatory system for City processes and development within the City.  These standards ultimately help guide future land use to be beneficial and productive for the City.  The ordinance identifies the zoning districts within the city and highlights the permitted uses within each district.  Zoning districts are established to maintain public health and safety while encouraging the beneficial development of the City. This document is enforced to help reach the goals that are outlined in the comprehensive plan.  This document also establishes the structure for public meetings that are conducted to uphold the policies herein.  The enforcement of this zoning ordinance is aimed at creating and maintaining a community that maximizes its potential for both comfortable living and working. City of Elkhart Zoning Ordinance.pdf

Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan, adopted February 2, 2015, will be used by the City of Elkhart Plan Commission and City Council as required under Indiana Law. This plan serves as the basis for development and infrastructure policy related to development, redevelopment and management of land uses. This plan should provide the policy basis to support any changes in the Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinance as well as provide guidance on the creation of a Capital Improvements Plan.

Subdivision Ordinance

For questions regarding the Subdivision Ordinance, please contact us.

Department
Calendar.

March 2024

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Plan Commission Meeting
1:45 pm
JOIN WEBEX MEETING Meeting Link: https://coei.webex.com/coei/j.php?MTID=m127b87c3f02a5d164a1dea5ee2140438 Meeting Number (access code): 2310 506 8344 Meeting Password: PLAN By Phone: +1 (415) 655-0001 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE PLAN COMMISSION TAB ON THE PLANNING & ZONING PAGE. , ...
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Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
JOIN WEBEX MEETING https://coei.webex.com/webappng/sites/coei/dashboard?siteurl=coei Meeting number (access code): 157 230 2962 Meeting password: BZA2021 Join by Phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE BZA TAB ON THE PLANNING & ZONING PAGE , ...
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
8:00 am - 12:00 am
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
20
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
21
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission Meeting
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
id=”4747″] , ...
22
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
24
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
25
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
26
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
27
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
28
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
29
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
30
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
31
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan DRAFT
All Day
 CLICK TO READ THE PLAN: PY2024 Draft Action Plan   , ...
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