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
.
.
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
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
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
Special Meeting – Wednesday, November 13, 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
Webex Meeting Information:
- Join via meeting link: https:
- 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 – CANCELLED | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, June 6, 2024 | Thursday, June 20, 2024 | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 | Thursday, July 18, 2024 – CANCELLED | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, August 1, 2024 | Thursday, August 15, 2024 – CANCELLED | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, September 5, 2024 | Thursday, September 19, 2024 | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, October 3, 2024 | Thursday, October 17, 2024 – CANCELLED | 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 Jason Ughetti Jason.ughetti@coei.org 574-294-5476
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.
Forms
& Applications..
BZA Applications:
- Appeal from Staff Decision Application Packet
- Conditional Use Application Packet
- Developmental Variance Application Packet
- Use Variance Application Packet
- Wireless Communication Facility (Zoning Designation: R or B1) Application Packet
Plan Commission Applications:
- Annexation Application Packet
- Final Site Plan Application Packet
- Major PUD Amendment Application Packet
- Major Subdivision Application Packet
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) Application Packet
- Rezoning Application Packet
- Special Exception Application Packet
- Wireless Communication Facility (Zoning Designation: B2) Application Packet
Planning Department Staff Review Applications:
- Minor PUD Amendment Application Packet
- Zoning Clearance Application (PDF)
- Zoning Clearance Application (NEW Online Submission Portal)
Plat Committee Applications:
Technical Review Committee Applications:
Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission Applications:
Miscellaneous Forms:
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.
- Updated Comprehensive Plan – Adopted February 02, 2015 full document
- Update Comprehensive Plan Cover Page, Acknowledgements and Table of Contents
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Executive Summary
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 1 – Introduction
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Process and Methodology
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 – Visioning
- Update Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Land Use
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Mobility
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Environment and Design
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Economic Development
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 – Corridor Character- Land Use & Transportation
- Update Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 – Implementation
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
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
Special Meeting – Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
Agenda Packet Minute |
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
Webex Meeting Information:
- Join via meeting link: https: https:
- 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 – CANCELLED | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, June 6, 2024 | Thursday, June 20, 2024 | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, July 3, 2024 | Thursday, July 18, 2024 – CANCELLED | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, August 1, 2024 | Thursday, August 15, 2024 – CANCELLED | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, September 5, 2024 | Thursday, September 19, 2024 | Agenda Packet Minutes |
Thursday, October 3, 2024 | Thursday, October 17, 2024 – CANCELLED | 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 Jason Ughetti Jason.ughetti@coei.org 574-294-5476.
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.
Forms
& Applications..
BZA Applications:
- Appeal from Staff Decision Application Packet
- Conditional Use Application Packet
- Developmental Variance Application Packet
- Use Variance Application Packet
- Wireless Communication Facility (Zoning Designation: R or B1) Application Packet
Plan Commission Applications:
- Annexation Application Packet
- Final Site Plan Application Packet
- Major PUD Amendment Application Packet
- Major Subdivision Application Packet
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) Application Packet
- Rezoning Application Packet
- Special Exception Application Packet
- Wireless Communication Facility (Zoning Designation: B2) Application Packet
Planning Department Staff Review Applications:
- Minor PUD Amendment Application Packet
- Zoning Clearance Application (PDF)
- Zoning Clearance Application (NEW Online Submission Portal)
Plat Committee Applications:
Technical Review Committee Applications:
Historic & Cultural Preservation Commission Applications:
Miscellaneous Forms:
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.
- Updated Comprehensive Plan – Adopted February 02, 2015 full document
- Update Comprehensive Plan Cover Page, Acknowledgements and Table of Contents
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Executive Summary
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 1 – Introduction
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Process and Methodology
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 – Visioning
- Update Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Land Use
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Mobility
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Environment and Design
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Economic Development
- Updated Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 – Corridor Character- Land Use & Transportation
- Update Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9 – Implementation
Subdivision Ordinance
For questions regarding the Subdivision Ordinance, please contact us.