
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,
Acting Director for Development Services
eric.trotter@coei.org
574-322-4479
Ryan Smith, AICP
Planner I
ryan.smith@coei.org
574-322-4489
Chaise Cope, LEED AP BD+C
Neighborhood Planner
chaise.cope@coei.org
574-322-4861
.
574-295-7501
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:
- Jeffrey D. Schaffer, President
- Dave Osborne, Vice-President
- Mary Olson, Secretary
- Brad Billings
- Ron Davis
- Tom Shoff
- Mike Sweet
- Johnny Thomas
Agendas | Minutes |
---|---|
TBA | TBA |
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
- Jeff Schaffer
- McNeal Stewart
- Andrew Strycker
Agendas | Minutes |
---|---|
Thursday, November 12 | Thursday, November 12, 2020 |
Thursday, December 10 | Thursday, December 10, 2020 |
Thursday, January | Thursday, January |
Thursday, February | Thursday, February |
Thursday, March | Thursday, March |
Thursday, April | Thursday, April |
Thursday, May | Thursday, May |
Thursday, June | Thursday, June |
Thursday, July | Thursday, July |
Thursday, August | Thursday, August |
Thursday, September | Thursday, September |
Thursday, October | Thursday, October |
Thursday, November | Thursday, November |
Thursday, December | Thursday, December |
Historic and Cultural
Preservation Commission.
.
.
Members:
- Ann Linley, President
- Bill Zimmerman, Vice President
- JA Whitmer, Treasurer
- Bobby Glassburn
- Luke Lefever
- Gerry Roberts
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.
Agendas | Minutes |
---|---|
TBA | TBA |
More info about historic districts coming soon.
Meeting Dates
File by Date | Meeting Date |
---|---|
Thursday, January 7, 2021 | Thursday, January 21, 2021 |
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | Thursday, February 18, 2021 |
Thursday, March 4, 2021 | Thursday, March 18, 2021 |
Thursday, April 1, 2021 | Thursday, April 15, 2021 |
Thursday, May 6, 2021 | Thursday, May 20, 2021 |
Thursday, June 3, 2021 | Thursday, June 17, 2021 |
Thursday, July 1, 2021 | Thursday, July 15, 2021 |
Thursday, August 5, 2021 | Thursday, August 19, 2021 |
Thursday, September 2, 2021 | Thursday, September 16, 2021 |
Thursday, October 7, 2021 | Thursday, October 21, 2021 |
Thursday, November 4, 2021 | Thursday, November 18, 2021 |
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | Thursday, December 16, 2021 |
Note: All meetings are held in the Council Chamber’s, 2nd floor, City Municipal Building at 7:00 p.m., the 3rd Thursday of each month unless indicated. Reviewed and adopted by the City of Elkhart Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission at its regular meeting on November 19, 2020.
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
Agendas | Meetings |
---|---|
TBA | TBA |
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 (in person meetings have temporarily been suspended due to COVID-19).
Technical Review Application Packet with Calendar
Please submit Technical Review applications to
Public Works and Utilities, 1201 S. Nappanee St.
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 Zoning Verification Letter
Forms
& Petitions.
.
.
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.
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
Coming soon
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.

Eric Trotter,
Acting Director for Development Services
eric.trotter@coei.org
574-322-4479
Ryan Smith, AICP
Planner I
ryan.smith@coei.org
574-322-4489
Chaise Cope, LEED AP BD+C
Neighborhood Planner
chaise.cope@coei.org
574-322-4861
.
574-294-5471
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:
- Jeffrey D. Schaffer, President
- Dave Osborne, Vice-President
- Mary Olson, Secretary
- Brad Billings
- Ron Davis
- Tom Shoff
- Mike Sweet
- Johnny Thomas
Agendas | Minutes |
---|---|
TBA | TBA |
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
- Jeff Schaffer
- McNeal Stewart
- Andrew Strycker
Agendas | Minutes |
---|---|
Thursday, November 12 | Thursday, November 12, 2020 |
Thursday, December 10 | Thursday, December 10, 2020 |
Thursday, January | Thursday, January |
Thursday, February | Thursday, February |
Thursday, March | Thursday, March |
Thursday, April | Thursday, April |
Thursday, May | Thursday, May |
Thursday, June | Thursday, June |
Thursday, July | Thursday, July |
Thursday, August | Thursday, August |
Thursday, September | Thursday, September |
Thursday, October | Thursday, October |
Thursday, November | Thursday, November |
Thursday, December | Thursday, December |
Historic and Cultural
Preservation Commission.
.
.
Members:
- Ann Linley, President
- Bill Zimmerman, Vice President
- JA Whitmer, Treasurer
- Bobby Glassburn
- Luke Lefever
- Gerry Roberts
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.
Agendas | Minutes |
---|---|
TBA | TBA |
More info about historic districts coming soon.
Meeting Dates
File by Date | Meeting Date |
---|---|
Thursday, January 7, 2021 | Thursday, January 21, 2021 |
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | Thursday, February 18, 2021 |
Thursday, March 4, 2021 | Thursday, March 18, 2021 |
Thursday, April 1, 2021 | Thursday, April 15, 2021 |
Thursday, May 6, 2021 | Thursday, May 20, 2021 |
Thursday, June 3, 2021 | Thursday, June 17, 2021 |
Thursday, July 1, 2021 | Thursday, July 15, 2021 |
Thursday, August 5, 2021 | Thursday, August 19, 2021 |
Thursday, September 2, 2021 | Thursday, September 16, 2021 |
Thursday, October 7, 2021 | Thursday, October 21, 2021 |
Thursday, November 4, 2021 | Thursday, November 18, 2021 |
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | Thursday, December 16, 2021 |
Note: All meetings are held in the Council Chamber’s, 2nd floor, City Municipal Building at 7:00 p.m., the 3rd Thursday of each month unless indicated. Reviewed and adopted by the City of Elkhart Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission at its regular meeting on November 19, 2020.
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
Agendas | Meetings |
---|---|
TBA | TBA |
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 (in person meetings have temporarily been suspended due to COVID-19).
Technical Review Application Packet with Calendar
Please submit Technical Review applications to
Public Works and Utilities, 1201 S. Nappanee St.
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 Zoning Verification Letter
Forms
& Petitions.
.
.
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.
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
Coming soon
Department
Calendar.

Department
Calendar.
