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.

.

.

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.

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
  • Ron Davis
  • Mark Datema, Secretary

2023 Plan Commission Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Friday, December 9 2022 Tuesday, January 3, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, December 30, 2022 Monday, February 6, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, February 3, 2023 Monday, March 6, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, March 3, 2023 Monday, April 3, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, March 31, 2023 Monday, May 1, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, April 28, 2023 Monday, June 5, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, June 2, 2023 Monday, July 3, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, June 30, 2023 Monday, August 7, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, August 4, 2023 Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, September 1, 2023 Monday, October 2, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, September 29, 2023 Monday, November 6, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, November 3, 2023 Monday, December 4, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, December 1, 2023 Tuesday, January 2, 2024 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
  • Andy Jones

2023 Board of Zoning Appeals Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Friday, December 9, 2022 Thursday, January 12, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, January 6, 2023 Thursday, February 9, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, February 3, 2023 Thursday, March 9, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, March 3, 2023 Thursday, April 13, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, April 6, 2023 Thursday, May 11, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, May 5, 2023 Thursday, June 8, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, June 2, 2023 Thursday, July 13, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, July 7, 2023 Thursday, August 10, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, August 4, 2023 Thursday, September 14, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, September 8, 2023 Thursday, October 12, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, October 6, 2023 Thursday, November 9, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, November 3, 2023 Thursday, December 14, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, December 8, 2023 Thursday, January 11, 2024 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
  • Kristen Smole
  • Raymond Enfield

Webex Meeting Information:

2023 Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Thursday, January 5, 2023 Thursday, January 19, 2023- canceled Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, February 2, 2023 Thursday, February 16, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, March 2, 2023 Thursday, March 16, 2023- canceled Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, April 6, 2023 Thursday, April 20, 2023- canceled Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, May 4, 2023 Thursday, May 18, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, June 1, 2023 Thursday, June 15, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, July 6, 2023 Thursday, July 20, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, August 3, 2023 Thursday, August 17, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, September 7, 2023 Thursday, September 21, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, October 5, 2023 Thursday, October 19, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, November 2, 2023 Thursday, November 16, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, December 7, 2023 Thursday, December 21, 2023 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.

2023 Technical Review Application Packet with Calendar

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
  • Ron Davis
  • Mark Datema, Secretary

2023 Plan Commission Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Friday, December 9 2022 Tuesday, January 3, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, December 30, 2022 Monday, February 6, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, February 3, 2023 Monday, March 6, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, March 3, 2023 Monday, April 3, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, March 31, 2023 Monday, May 1, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, April 28, 2023 Monday, June 5, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, June 2, 2023 Monday, July 3, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, June 30, 2023 Monday, August 7, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, August 4, 2023 Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, September 1, 2023 Monday, October 2, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, September 29, 2023 Monday, November 6, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, November 3, 2023 Monday, December 4, 2023 Agenda Packet Minutes
Friday, December 1, 2023 Tuesday, January 2, 2024 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
  • Andy Jones

2023 Board of Zoning Appeals Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Friday, December 9, 2022 Thursday, January 12, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, January 6, 2023 Thursday, February 9, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, February 3, 2023 Thursday, March 9, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, March 3, 2023 Thursday, April 13, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, April 6, 2023 Thursday, May 11, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, May 5, 2023 Thursday, June 8, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, June 2, 2023 Thursday, July 13, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, July 7, 2023 Thursday, August 10, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, August 4, 2023 Thursday, September 14, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, September 8, 2023 Thursday, October 12, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, October 6, 2023 Thursday, November 9, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, November 3, 2023 Thursday, December 14, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Friday, December 8, 2023 Thursday, January 11, 2024 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
  • Aaron Mishler

Webex Meeting Information:

2023 Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission Calendar

FILE BY DATE MEETING DATE
Thursday, January 5, 2023 Thursday, January 19, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, February 2, 2023 Thursday, February 16, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, March 2, 2023 Thursday, March 16, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, April 6, 2023 Thursday, April 20, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, May 4, 2023 Thursday, May 18, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, June 1, 2023 Thursday, June 15, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, July 6, 2023 Thursday, July 20, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, August 3, 2023 Thursday, August 17, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, September 7, 2023 Thursday, September 21, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, October 5, 2023 Thursday, October 19, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, November 2, 2023 Thursday, November 16, 2023 Agenda  Packet  Minutes
Thursday, December 7, 2023 Thursday, December 21, 2023 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.

2023 Technical Review Application Packet with Calendar

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.

December 2023

MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
SU
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
Plan Commission Meeting
1:45 pm
JOIN WEBEX MEETING Meeting Link: https://coei.webex.com/coei/j.php?MTID=mf4523efc3cba336fa88d960492b4f397 Meeting Number (access code): 2315 285 4415 Meeting Password: Plan By Phone: +1 (415) 655-0001 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE PLAN COMMISSION TAB ON THE PLANNING & ZONING PAGE. , ...
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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 , ...
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission Meeting
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
id=”4747″] , ...
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7