Vote early and vote awesome!
Polling places are the same of for the primaries earlier this year.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Office Closing- November 2, 2010
The Steuben County Plan Commission and the Steuben County Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, in observance of Election Day.
Vote early and vote awesome!
Polling places are the same of for the primaries earlier this year.
Vote early and vote awesome!
Polling places are the same of for the primaries earlier this year.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Calendar for November 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010, at 9:00am.
Lakes Advisory Board Meeting
Presbyterian Chapel of the Lakes
Wednesday, November 3, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Plan Commission Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
6 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
Plan Commission Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording (pending technical issues)
Thursday, November 4, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Design Review Committee
Pillar Room or Board Room, Steuben County Community Center
Meeting is open to the public.
Friday, November 5, 2010, at 4:00pm.
December Hearing Sign-Up Deadline
Steuben County Plan Commission Office
Notes: All applications must be complete at time of submission.
Monday, November 8, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
6 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording
Monday, November 15, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
4 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording
Thursday, November 18, 2010, at 8:00 am
Plan Commission Site Survey*
Various sites throughout the county. Site survey begins in the Steuben County Community Center.
Site survey is open to the public.
* If necessary. Please note, site survey is a week earlier than usual due to Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 19, 2010, at 7:00 am
Board of Zoning Appeals Site Survey*
Various sites throughout the county. Site survey begins in the Steuben County Community Center.
Site survey is open to the public.
*If necessary. Please note, site survey is a week earlier than usual due to Thanksgiving.
Lakes Advisory Board Meeting
Presbyterian Chapel of the Lakes
Wednesday, November 3, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Plan Commission Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
6 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
Plan Commission Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording (pending technical issues)
Thursday, November 4, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Design Review Committee
Pillar Room or Board Room, Steuben County Community Center
Meeting is open to the public.
Friday, November 5, 2010, at 4:00pm.
December Hearing Sign-Up Deadline
Steuben County Plan Commission Office
Notes: All applications must be complete at time of submission.
Monday, November 8, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
6 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording
Monday, November 15, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
4 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording
Thursday, November 18, 2010, at 8:00 am
Plan Commission Site Survey*
Various sites throughout the county. Site survey begins in the Steuben County Community Center.
Site survey is open to the public.
* If necessary. Please note, site survey is a week earlier than usual due to Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 19, 2010, at 7:00 am
Board of Zoning Appeals Site Survey*
Various sites throughout the county. Site survey begins in the Steuben County Community Center.
Site survey is open to the public.
*If necessary. Please note, site survey is a week earlier than usual due to Thanksgiving.
Friday, October 29, 2010
BZA Staff Report- November 8/15, 2010
The Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals Staff Reports are now available online.
You may view or download the November 8, 2010, Board of Zoning Appeals Staff Report from the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS.
You may view or download the November 15, 2010, Board of Zoning Appeals Staff Report from the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS.
You may also contact Plan Commission Staff if you would like to have a pdf copy of the Staff Report emailed to you.
As always, copies of the report are available for review in the Plan Commission Office and at the Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing.
You may view or download the November 8, 2010, Board of Zoning Appeals Staff Report from the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS.
You may view or download the November 15, 2010, Board of Zoning Appeals Staff Report from the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS.
You may also contact Plan Commission Staff if you would like to have a pdf copy of the Staff Report emailed to you.
As always, copies of the report are available for review in the Plan Commission Office and at the Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Report of Collections- October 15/27, 2010
Following is the Steuben County Plan Commission Report of Collections for the period: October 15, 2010 through October 27, 2010. Collections are turned over to the Steuben County Auditor.
| DESCRIPTION | THIS PERIOD | YEAR TO DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Improvement Location Permits | $1,700.00 | $17,735.00 |
| Sign Location Permits | $60.00 | $1,861.00 |
| Fences/Retaining Walls | $20.00 | $430.00 |
| Special Meeting | $0.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Variance Applications | $0.00 | $13,100.00 |
| Special Exceptions | $0.00 | $1,050.00 |
| Zone Chane Applications | $0.00 | $1,160.00 |
| Vacations | $0.00 | $5,225.00 |
| Subdivision Applications | $150.00 | $5,760.00 |
| Planned Unit Developments | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Legal Ads | $0.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Copying/Postage | $0.80 | $4,952.70 |
| Copy of Zoning Ordinance or Comprehensive Plan | $0.00 | $30.00 |
| Lake Map Directory | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Fines | $40.00 | $4,620.00 |
| Abandoned/Junk Vehicles | $0.00 | $250.00 |
| TOTAL AMOUNT COLLECTED | $1,970.80 | $59,073.70 |
Notes: Collections turned in on October 28, 2010.
BZA Agenda- November 15, 2010
Notice is hereby given that the Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on November 15, 2010, at 7:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN, for consideration of the following agenda:
1. (V-10-74) Robert Stone petitions for one developmental-standard variance for a deck. Variance is for a rear-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required. Property is located at 3074 W Sycamore Beach, Section 8 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-08-140-113/115.000-011),
2. (V-10-75) Kevin, Kenneth, & Thomas Stoy petition for one post-construction, developmental-standard variance for a new, accessory structure. Variance is for a side-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required. Property is located at 6517 S 400 W, Section 30 of Steuben Twp (Map# 76-11-30-000-001.020-017),
3. (AP-10-01) Larry, Donna, & Greg Christoffel petition to appeal the Plan Director’s decision. Decision being appealed is the issuance of a fine of $3,281.25 for ordinance violations. Property is located at 520 S 650 W, Section 26 of Jackson Twp (Map# 76-05-26-000-025.000-005), &
4. Presentation of code enforcement procedures & actions.
The above petitions are on file for public examination in the Plan Commission Office, 317 S Wayne St Ste 3L, Angola, IN. Written statements may be filed with the Steuben County Plan Director and may be considered by the BZA at the public hearing. Interested persons wishing to present their views on a petition will be given the opportunity to do so at the hearing. Hearings on particular petitions may be continued at the discretion of the BZA. Petitions requiring the consideration of the Board of Commissioners will be heard at their next regularly scheduled meeting with agenda openings.
1. (V-10-74) Robert Stone petitions for one developmental-standard variance for a deck. Variance is for a rear-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required. Property is located at 3074 W Sycamore Beach, Section 8 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-08-140-113/115.000-011),
2. (V-10-75) Kevin, Kenneth, & Thomas Stoy petition for one post-construction, developmental-standard variance for a new, accessory structure. Variance is for a side-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required. Property is located at 6517 S 400 W, Section 30 of Steuben Twp (Map# 76-11-30-000-001.020-017),
3. (AP-10-01) Larry, Donna, & Greg Christoffel petition to appeal the Plan Director’s decision. Decision being appealed is the issuance of a fine of $3,281.25 for ordinance violations. Property is located at 520 S 650 W, Section 26 of Jackson Twp (Map# 76-05-26-000-025.000-005), &
4. Presentation of code enforcement procedures & actions.
The above petitions are on file for public examination in the Plan Commission Office, 317 S Wayne St Ste 3L, Angola, IN. Written statements may be filed with the Steuben County Plan Director and may be considered by the BZA at the public hearing. Interested persons wishing to present their views on a petition will be given the opportunity to do so at the hearing. Hearings on particular petitions may be continued at the discretion of the BZA. Petitions requiring the consideration of the Board of Commissioners will be heard at their next regularly scheduled meeting with agenda openings.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
BZA Agenda- November 8, 2010
Notice is hereby given that the Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on November 8, 2010, at 7:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN, for consideration of the following agenda:
1. (V-10-69ABCD) Douglas Bryant petitions for four developmental-standard variances for a storage garage subdivision. Variances are for a rear-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the forty (40) feet required, a side-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required, a building coverage of forty-three (43) percent rather than the twenty (20) percent allowed, & an impermeable coverage of forty-three (43) percent rather than the thirty (30) percent allowed. Properties are located on units 1-3 & 6-12 7005 W South Lk Gage Dr, Section 34 of Millgrove Twp (Map# 76-04-34-411-101/102/103/106/107/108/109/110/111/112.000-007),
2. (V-10-70AB) Gary & Jane Houg petition for two developmental-standard variances for a home addition. Variances are for a road-front setback of sixteen (16) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required & a lakefront setback of forty-five (45) feet rather than the fifty (50) feet required. Property is located at 1060 LN 800 Snow Lk, Section 21 of Jamestown Twp (Map# 76-03-21-410-112.000-006),
3. (V-10-71) Gail & Elaine Balliet petition for one post-construction, developmental-standard variance for a detached garage. Variance is for a building-to-building setback of seven & four-tenths (7.4) feet rather than the ten (10) feet required. Property is located at 500 LN 200E Lk James, Section 3 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-03-420-642.000-011),
4. (V-10-72) Michael & Patti Graham petition for one developmental-standard variance for a home addition. Variance is for a road-front setback of seventeen and five-tenths (17.5) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required. Property is located at 6260 W Orland, Section 35 of Millgrove Twp (Map# 76-04-35-410-515.000-007),
5. (V-10-73ABCD) Harold Jr & Connie Bailey petition for four post-construction, developmental-standard variances for a new park model & detached shed. Variances are for a road-front setback of eleven & seven-tenths (11.7) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required, a side-yard setback of three (3) feet rather than the five (5) feet required for an accessory structure, a rear-yard setback of six-tenths (0.6) feet rather than the five (5) feet required for an accessory structure, & a building-to-building setback of seven & three-tenths (7.3) feet rather than the ten (10) feet required. Property is located at Lot 1174 of Walden Woods, Section 26 of Millgrove Twp (Map# 76-04-26-340-532/533.000-007), &
6. (SE-10-08) Josh Pranger, Eric & Cara Olson, & Chad & Erin Olson petition for a special exception use for a two-family dwelling in a Lake Residential zoning district. Property is located at 300 LN 340 Jimmerson Lk, Section 29 of Jamestown Twp (Map# 76-03-29-330-213.000-006).
The above petitions are on file for public examination in the Plan Commission Office, 317 S Wayne St Ste 3L, Angola, IN. Written statements may be filed with the Steuben County Plan Director and may be considered by the BZA at the public hearing. Interested persons wishing to present their views on a petition will be given the opportunity to do so at the hearing. Hearings on particular petitions may be continued at the discretion of the BZA. Petitions requiring the consideration of the Board of Commissioners will be heard at their next regularly scheduled meeting with agenda openings.
1. (V-10-69ABCD) Douglas Bryant petitions for four developmental-standard variances for a storage garage subdivision. Variances are for a rear-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the forty (40) feet required, a side-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required, a building coverage of forty-three (43) percent rather than the twenty (20) percent allowed, & an impermeable coverage of forty-three (43) percent rather than the thirty (30) percent allowed. Properties are located on units 1-3 & 6-12 7005 W South Lk Gage Dr, Section 34 of Millgrove Twp (Map# 76-04-34-411-101/102/103/106/107/108/109/110/111/112.000-007),
2. (V-10-70AB) Gary & Jane Houg petition for two developmental-standard variances for a home addition. Variances are for a road-front setback of sixteen (16) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required & a lakefront setback of forty-five (45) feet rather than the fifty (50) feet required. Property is located at 1060 LN 800 Snow Lk, Section 21 of Jamestown Twp (Map# 76-03-21-410-112.000-006),
3. (V-10-71) Gail & Elaine Balliet petition for one post-construction, developmental-standard variance for a detached garage. Variance is for a building-to-building setback of seven & four-tenths (7.4) feet rather than the ten (10) feet required. Property is located at 500 LN 200E Lk James, Section 3 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-03-420-642.000-011),
4. (V-10-72) Michael & Patti Graham petition for one developmental-standard variance for a home addition. Variance is for a road-front setback of seventeen and five-tenths (17.5) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required. Property is located at 6260 W Orland, Section 35 of Millgrove Twp (Map# 76-04-35-410-515.000-007),
5. (V-10-73ABCD) Harold Jr & Connie Bailey petition for four post-construction, developmental-standard variances for a new park model & detached shed. Variances are for a road-front setback of eleven & seven-tenths (11.7) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required, a side-yard setback of three (3) feet rather than the five (5) feet required for an accessory structure, a rear-yard setback of six-tenths (0.6) feet rather than the five (5) feet required for an accessory structure, & a building-to-building setback of seven & three-tenths (7.3) feet rather than the ten (10) feet required. Property is located at Lot 1174 of Walden Woods, Section 26 of Millgrove Twp (Map# 76-04-26-340-532/533.000-007), &
6. (SE-10-08) Josh Pranger, Eric & Cara Olson, & Chad & Erin Olson petition for a special exception use for a two-family dwelling in a Lake Residential zoning district. Property is located at 300 LN 340 Jimmerson Lk, Section 29 of Jamestown Twp (Map# 76-03-29-330-213.000-006).
The above petitions are on file for public examination in the Plan Commission Office, 317 S Wayne St Ste 3L, Angola, IN. Written statements may be filed with the Steuben County Plan Director and may be considered by the BZA at the public hearing. Interested persons wishing to present their views on a petition will be given the opportunity to do so at the hearing. Hearings on particular petitions may be continued at the discretion of the BZA. Petitions requiring the consideration of the Board of Commissioners will be heard at their next regularly scheduled meeting with agenda openings.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Plan Commission Staff Report- November 3, 2010
The Steuben County Plan Commission Staff Reports are now available online.
You may view or download the November 2, 2010, Plan Commission Staff Report from the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS.
You may also contact Plan Commission Staff if you would like to have a pdf copy of the Staff Report emailed to you.
As always, copies of the report are available for review in the Plan Commission Office and at the Plan Commission Hearing.
You may view or download the November 2, 2010, Plan Commission Staff Report from the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS.
You may also contact Plan Commission Staff if you would like to have a pdf copy of the Staff Report emailed to you.
As always, copies of the report are available for review in the Plan Commission Office and at the Plan Commission Hearing.
Tornado Warning- October 26, 2010
The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WARNING for southwestern Steuben County effective until 11:15 am.
Please take shelter immediately if you are in the affected area.
Please take shelter immediately if you are in the affected area.
Site Survey Reminder- October 28/29, 2010
Steuben County Plan Commission members will conduct a site survey on Thursday, October 28, 2010. The site survey begins at the Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN, parking lot at 8:00 am. Various locations will be visited.
Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals members will conduct a site survey on Friday, October 29, 2010. The site survey begins at the Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN, parking lot at 7:00 am. Various locations will be visited.
Members of the public may be present. However, no evidence or testimony may be taken on the site survey.
Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals members will conduct a site survey on Friday, October 29, 2010. The site survey begins at the Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN, parking lot at 7:00 am. Various locations will be visited.
Members of the public may be present. However, no evidence or testimony may be taken on the site survey.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Steuben County Lakes Council "Soundings"- October 2010
A version of the following article appears in "Bobber Watchin'," the newsletter for the Steuben County Lakes Council..
The Steuben County Plan Commission is happy that we have been asked to compose an article for “Soundings.” Even though we have done this in the past, we feel there is still a lot of mystery about what exactly planning is and what the Steuben County Plan Commission does.
Our goal is to shed some light on some planning tools, share some planning history, summarize the permitting process, and share some of the innovations and reforms we have been working on.
It was very easy for my family and friends to understand what I was studying as an undergraduate in an architecture program. Architecture. Got it. However, when I entered graduate school as a planning student, it took longer and longer to describe exactly what I was studying. To this day, I don’t think my grandma completely knows what I do.
Planning is a very broad field (with many specialties) that is a combination of art and science. In general, the goal of planning is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community now and into the future. Planning is concerned with generations, not election cycles; we take steps to make the community better and safer in the future than it is today.
Planning Tools.
The most basic-and most important-element of planning is to have a vision of what the community wants to be. This vision is documented in the comprehensive plan, sometimes called a master plan.
The material covered in comprehensive plans may vary from community to community, but they all outline what the community wants to be in 10-20 years. Comprehensive plans are developed under the direction of the Plan Commission with community input, usually at public meetings. Indiana requires a community to have a comprehensive plan before it can engage in planning and zoning.
Zoning ordinances are the main tool that communities use to reach the goals of their comprehensive plan. Zoning ordinances define what uses are permitted in different zoning districts. They define developmental standards, setbacks, height, coverage, etc, for the different zoning districts and sometimes for specific types of uses. This means that property owners may not be able to do whatever they may want to do. In exchange for this loss of some freedom, property owners gain freedom from unreasonable development or use of neighboring properties. Just like comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances are developed by the Plan Commission with community involvement.
History of Planning.
Planning may not be the oldest profession, but it dates back to the earliest human settlements in present-day Turkey and Iraq. Planning was present in the Americas even before the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts. The landscape of Indiana and most of the Midwest was divided according to a plan outlined in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. This is where townships and mile roads come from.
Planning started to become more formalized in the US in the late 1800s with the City Beautiful movement. The first city-wide zoning ordinance was adopted by New York City in 1916. (It was enacted in reaction to new skyscrapers that were blocking the sun from the streets below.)
In 1935, the Indiana State Planning Board and Works Progress Administration prepared the first planning study of Steuben County. It recommended the location of future boulevards, creation of a plan commission, steps to prevent over-crowding of the lakes, development of protected game and natural areas, and adoption of a community-wide comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances.
It took us a little while, but Steuben County adopted its first master plan in 1970 and its first county zoning ordinance in 1972. A new comprehensive plan was adopted in 2006, and we hope to have the funds to review it rigorously again in 2011. A new zoning ordinance was adopted in 2008 and has been amended annually.
Permit Process.
Comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and permitting requirements can and do change through time and vary greatly from one community to another. It can be confusing for Steuben residents to know what projects might need a permit and what the standards are because these have changed from the past and because we have a high number of seasonal and new residents.
Permits are required for most improvements to property within the Steuben County Plan Commission jurisdiction. The typical process will take the applicant through the highway department (if any driveways are planned), a sewer district, the health department, the surveyor’s office, the plan commission, and the building department. Each department has a specialty and will view projects through different perspectives. A project might be of no concern to the sewer district but might not meet building or planning standards.
Having to go to multiple places and wait for a review can be annoying and frustrating. We are all working to make the process as painless and swift as possible. Sometimes a more in-depth review may be necessary. This can be extremely annoying at the time, but it can save tremendous amounts of money and time in the future. We highly recommend that individuals contact the Plan Commission, and other agencies, as early as possible when starting a project. This action will help avoid delays and additional costs.
Permits should be displayed on the site within 24 hours of being issued and should remain visible through the completion of the project. If somebody is building something and you cannot see a permit, he probably did not obtain one. Perhaps he did not know one was necessary. If you are comfortable, feel free to remind the individual to contact the plan commission. If not, you can contact the Plan Commission, and we will investigate the matter further.
Innovations and Reforms.
We are aware that the Plan Commission may not have a sterling reputation. To better serve the citizens, we have begun some minor and major reforms.
We are making efforts to improve transparency and accessibility. Signs are now placed on all properties with petitions before the Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals. We have begun a weblog to share information about planning, agendas, results, code enforcement, and more. We have begun posting staff reports online. All of our meetings are streamed online and recorded for later viewing, pending technical issues. We have worked with the GIS coordinator to develop a Citizen Input feature to allow citizens to report code violations or request information about properties from the county. We have also been working to develop an online permitting system!
We are making efforts to improve understanding of planning and developmental standards. We have developed several informational pamphlets and will continue to develop more. We have written articles for various newsletters and presented before several community groups. (We would be extremely happy to speak to any group that wants us!) Together with the Purdue Extension, we have hosted educational webinars.
Less exciting, but extremely important, we have been reviewing many of our processes, from the permitting at the counter to code enforcement to auditing how much an application really costs the county. Many of these processes have not been rigorously examined for a long time, if ever. We are very excited because this reviewing will allow us to better serve the community in a more efficient manner and will reduce errors.
Conclusion.
This article has covered a lot of material. We hope it has helped you to better understand planning what the Steuben County Plan Commission is doing.
We have been going through many changes these past couple of years. Change can be difficult, but we firmly believe the results will be worth the short-term difficulties.
Please contact us if you have questions about a specific project or planning in general, or suggestions about areas we can improve. Thank you for your attention. We hope to work together to ensure an even better future for Steuben County.
The Steuben County Plan Commission is happy that we have been asked to compose an article for “Soundings.” Even though we have done this in the past, we feel there is still a lot of mystery about what exactly planning is and what the Steuben County Plan Commission does.
Our goal is to shed some light on some planning tools, share some planning history, summarize the permitting process, and share some of the innovations and reforms we have been working on.
It was very easy for my family and friends to understand what I was studying as an undergraduate in an architecture program. Architecture. Got it. However, when I entered graduate school as a planning student, it took longer and longer to describe exactly what I was studying. To this day, I don’t think my grandma completely knows what I do.
Planning is a very broad field (with many specialties) that is a combination of art and science. In general, the goal of planning is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community now and into the future. Planning is concerned with generations, not election cycles; we take steps to make the community better and safer in the future than it is today.
Planning Tools.
The most basic-and most important-element of planning is to have a vision of what the community wants to be. This vision is documented in the comprehensive plan, sometimes called a master plan.
The material covered in comprehensive plans may vary from community to community, but they all outline what the community wants to be in 10-20 years. Comprehensive plans are developed under the direction of the Plan Commission with community input, usually at public meetings. Indiana requires a community to have a comprehensive plan before it can engage in planning and zoning.
Zoning ordinances are the main tool that communities use to reach the goals of their comprehensive plan. Zoning ordinances define what uses are permitted in different zoning districts. They define developmental standards, setbacks, height, coverage, etc, for the different zoning districts and sometimes for specific types of uses. This means that property owners may not be able to do whatever they may want to do. In exchange for this loss of some freedom, property owners gain freedom from unreasonable development or use of neighboring properties. Just like comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances are developed by the Plan Commission with community involvement.
History of Planning.
Planning may not be the oldest profession, but it dates back to the earliest human settlements in present-day Turkey and Iraq. Planning was present in the Americas even before the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts. The landscape of Indiana and most of the Midwest was divided according to a plan outlined in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. This is where townships and mile roads come from.
Planning started to become more formalized in the US in the late 1800s with the City Beautiful movement. The first city-wide zoning ordinance was adopted by New York City in 1916. (It was enacted in reaction to new skyscrapers that were blocking the sun from the streets below.)
In 1935, the Indiana State Planning Board and Works Progress Administration prepared the first planning study of Steuben County. It recommended the location of future boulevards, creation of a plan commission, steps to prevent over-crowding of the lakes, development of protected game and natural areas, and adoption of a community-wide comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances.
It took us a little while, but Steuben County adopted its first master plan in 1970 and its first county zoning ordinance in 1972. A new comprehensive plan was adopted in 2006, and we hope to have the funds to review it rigorously again in 2011. A new zoning ordinance was adopted in 2008 and has been amended annually.
Permit Process.
Comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and permitting requirements can and do change through time and vary greatly from one community to another. It can be confusing for Steuben residents to know what projects might need a permit and what the standards are because these have changed from the past and because we have a high number of seasonal and new residents.
Permits are required for most improvements to property within the Steuben County Plan Commission jurisdiction. The typical process will take the applicant through the highway department (if any driveways are planned), a sewer district, the health department, the surveyor’s office, the plan commission, and the building department. Each department has a specialty and will view projects through different perspectives. A project might be of no concern to the sewer district but might not meet building or planning standards.
Having to go to multiple places and wait for a review can be annoying and frustrating. We are all working to make the process as painless and swift as possible. Sometimes a more in-depth review may be necessary. This can be extremely annoying at the time, but it can save tremendous amounts of money and time in the future. We highly recommend that individuals contact the Plan Commission, and other agencies, as early as possible when starting a project. This action will help avoid delays and additional costs.
Permits should be displayed on the site within 24 hours of being issued and should remain visible through the completion of the project. If somebody is building something and you cannot see a permit, he probably did not obtain one. Perhaps he did not know one was necessary. If you are comfortable, feel free to remind the individual to contact the plan commission. If not, you can contact the Plan Commission, and we will investigate the matter further.
Innovations and Reforms.
We are aware that the Plan Commission may not have a sterling reputation. To better serve the citizens, we have begun some minor and major reforms.
We are making efforts to improve transparency and accessibility. Signs are now placed on all properties with petitions before the Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals. We have begun a weblog to share information about planning, agendas, results, code enforcement, and more. We have begun posting staff reports online. All of our meetings are streamed online and recorded for later viewing, pending technical issues. We have worked with the GIS coordinator to develop a Citizen Input feature to allow citizens to report code violations or request information about properties from the county. We have also been working to develop an online permitting system!
We are making efforts to improve understanding of planning and developmental standards. We have developed several informational pamphlets and will continue to develop more. We have written articles for various newsletters and presented before several community groups. (We would be extremely happy to speak to any group that wants us!) Together with the Purdue Extension, we have hosted educational webinars.
Less exciting, but extremely important, we have been reviewing many of our processes, from the permitting at the counter to code enforcement to auditing how much an application really costs the county. Many of these processes have not been rigorously examined for a long time, if ever. We are very excited because this reviewing will allow us to better serve the community in a more efficient manner and will reduce errors.
Conclusion.
This article has covered a lot of material. We hope it has helped you to better understand planning what the Steuben County Plan Commission is doing.
We have been going through many changes these past couple of years. Change can be difficult, but we firmly believe the results will be worth the short-term difficulties.
Please contact us if you have questions about a specific project or planning in general, or suggestions about areas we can improve. Thank you for your attention. We hope to work together to ensure an even better future for Steuben County.
Friday, October 22, 2010
County Commissioners- November 1, 2010
The Steuben County Plan Commission has the following business before the Steuben County Commissioners on Monday, November 1, 2010.
1:30 pm
(VPW-10-04) Stephen Leininger- Vacation of a platted way in Lone Tree Point.
1:45 pm
(VPW-10-05) Michael & Nicole Tomei- Vacation of a eight-foot-wide platted way in the Glenwood Addition of Glen Eden Springs.
*Items may be heard slightly earlier or later than the above time.
1:30 pm
(VPW-10-04) Stephen Leininger- Vacation of a platted way in Lone Tree Point.
1:45 pm
(VPW-10-05) Michael & Nicole Tomei- Vacation of a eight-foot-wide platted way in the Glenwood Addition of Glen Eden Springs.
*Items may be heard slightly earlier or later than the above time.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Plan Commission Agenda- November 3, 2010
Notice is hereby given that the Steuben County Plan Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, at 7:00pm in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN, for consideration of the following agenda:
1. (SE-10-08) Josh Pranger, Eric & Cara Olson, & Chad & Erin Olson. petition for a special exception use for a two-family dwelling in a Lake Residential zoning district. Property is located at 300 LN 340 Jimmerson Lk, Section 29 of Jamestown Twp (Map# 76-03-29-330-213.000-006),
2. (P-10-17) Brent Friend & Betty & Dean Goranson petition for primary approval of the minor subdivision “Viking Acres.” The proposed subdivision will create one (1) lot measuring roughly twenty-nine (29) acres. Property is located at 1245 S Golden Lk Rd, Section 32 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-32-000-001.000-011),
3. (VPW-10-06) Sandra Palmersheim petitions for vacation of a platted way. Platted way is a part of Lone Tree Point First Addition known as LN 105 Lk James. Property is located north of 1980 LN 105 Lk James, Section 4 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-04-110-133.000-011),
4. (Z-10-09) Steuben County Plan Commission petitions to rezone Lots 10 through 26 & portions of Lots 4, 5, 9, & 27, of Country Meadows, excluding the eastern half of the SW ¼ of Section 24 of Jamestown Twp. Proposed zone change is from Local Business to Residence-2. Properties are located at 70 through 245 E 620 N & 6025 N 25 E, Section 24 of Jamestown Twp (Map # 76-03-24-000-022/023/024/025/026/027/028/029/030/ 031/032/033/034/035/036/037/038/039/040/044/045.000-006;76-03-24-000-022/038/040.010-006),
5. A presentation of code enforcement procedures and actions, &
6. Discussion of proposed ordinance amendments and fee schedule amendments. No vote will take place at this time.
The above petitions are on file for public examination in the Plan Commission Office, 317 S Wayne St Ste 3L, Angola, IN. Written statements may be filed with the Steuben County Plan Director and may be considered by the Plan Commission at the public hearing. Interested persons wishing to present their views on a petition will be given the opportunity to do so at the hearing. Hearings on particular petitions may be continued at the discretion of the Plan Commission. Petitions requiring the consideration of the Board of Commissioners or the BZA will be heard at their next regularly scheduled meeting with agenda openings.
1. (SE-10-08) Josh Pranger, Eric & Cara Olson, & Chad & Erin Olson. petition for a special exception use for a two-family dwelling in a Lake Residential zoning district. Property is located at 300 LN 340 Jimmerson Lk, Section 29 of Jamestown Twp (Map# 76-03-29-330-213.000-006),
2. (P-10-17) Brent Friend & Betty & Dean Goranson petition for primary approval of the minor subdivision “Viking Acres.” The proposed subdivision will create one (1) lot measuring roughly twenty-nine (29) acres. Property is located at 1245 S Golden Lk Rd, Section 32 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-32-000-001.000-011),
3. (VPW-10-06) Sandra Palmersheim petitions for vacation of a platted way. Platted way is a part of Lone Tree Point First Addition known as LN 105 Lk James. Property is located north of 1980 LN 105 Lk James, Section 4 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-04-110-133.000-011),
4. (Z-10-09) Steuben County Plan Commission petitions to rezone Lots 10 through 26 & portions of Lots 4, 5, 9, & 27, of Country Meadows, excluding the eastern half of the SW ¼ of Section 24 of Jamestown Twp. Proposed zone change is from Local Business to Residence-2. Properties are located at 70 through 245 E 620 N & 6025 N 25 E, Section 24 of Jamestown Twp (Map # 76-03-24-000-022/023/024/025/026/027/028/029/030/ 031/032/033/034/035/036/037/038/039/040/044/045.000-006;76-03-24-000-022/038/040.010-006),
5. A presentation of code enforcement procedures and actions, &
6. Discussion of proposed ordinance amendments and fee schedule amendments. No vote will take place at this time.
The above petitions are on file for public examination in the Plan Commission Office, 317 S Wayne St Ste 3L, Angola, IN. Written statements may be filed with the Steuben County Plan Director and may be considered by the Plan Commission at the public hearing. Interested persons wishing to present their views on a petition will be given the opportunity to do so at the hearing. Hearings on particular petitions may be continued at the discretion of the Plan Commission. Petitions requiring the consideration of the Board of Commissioners or the BZA will be heard at their next regularly scheduled meeting with agenda openings.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
BZA Results- October 18, 2010
V-10-64A Gerald & Susan Snyder - INCONCLUSIVE (2-2)
Accessory structure height of two (2) stories rather than the one (1) story allowed.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: A recording of the hearing will be made for the absent member of the Board. The ballot will be completed in the Plan Commission Office and will be open to the public. No additional evidence can be taken at that time. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-64B Gerald & Susan Snyder - DENIED (0-4)
Plumbing for water and sewer in a detached, accessory structure.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-65 Donald & Nancy Wunrow - APPROVED as presented (3-1)
Impermeable coverage of sixty-one (61) percent rather than the fifty (50) percent allowed.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: Applicant stated the addition would be reduced in size from what was originally proposed. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-66 Gerald Coler - APPROVED with conditions (4-0)
Road-front setback of eight (8) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required for an accessory structure.
Conditions: No slab or permanent foundation.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-67 Russell & Rebecca Bredemeyer - APPROVED as presented (4-0)
Road-front setback of thirteen (13) feet allowed.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-68 Jerome & Yvonne Loos - APPROVED as presented (4-0)
Accessory structure height of three (3) stories rather than the one (1) story allowed.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: Structure may be rotated to allow for better siting. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
Due to technical difficulties with U-Stream, the video broadcast of the meeting could not be recorded. Please contact the Plan Commission if you would like an audio recording.
Accessory structure height of two (2) stories rather than the one (1) story allowed.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: A recording of the hearing will be made for the absent member of the Board. The ballot will be completed in the Plan Commission Office and will be open to the public. No additional evidence can be taken at that time. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-64B Gerald & Susan Snyder - DENIED (0-4)
Plumbing for water and sewer in a detached, accessory structure.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-65 Donald & Nancy Wunrow - APPROVED as presented (3-1)
Impermeable coverage of sixty-one (61) percent rather than the fifty (50) percent allowed.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: Applicant stated the addition would be reduced in size from what was originally proposed. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-66 Gerald Coler - APPROVED with conditions (4-0)
Road-front setback of eight (8) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required for an accessory structure.
Conditions: No slab or permanent foundation.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-67 Russell & Rebecca Bredemeyer - APPROVED as presented (4-0)
Road-front setback of thirteen (13) feet allowed.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-68 Jerome & Yvonne Loos - APPROVED as presented (4-0)
Accessory structure height of three (3) stories rather than the one (1) story allowed.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: Structure may be rotated to allow for better siting. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
Due to technical difficulties with U-Stream, the video broadcast of the meeting could not be recorded. Please contact the Plan Commission if you would like an audio recording.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Political Signs
With the November elections quickly approaching, the Steuben County Plan Commission would like to remind everybody that political signs are considered “temporary signs” and must meet certain standards that the community has adopted.
Political signs need to be located 10 feet back from the road right-of-way. Usually, the telephone poles or other utilities are located at the edge of the right-of-way. The online Steuben County GIS can also be used to estimate the right-of-way location. See illustration below.
Political signs need to be located outside of a clear-vision area. The clear-vision area is a triangle that extends 25 feet along the road right-of-way from intersections. See illustration below.
Political signs should only be placed on property with the owner’s permission. There is no maximum number of political signs that can be placed on a property.
Political signs do not require permits but should be removed in a timely manner following the election.
These standards apply equally to all candidates and parties. Signs in violation of these standards may be removed by Plan Commission staff. If the Plan Commission notices a large number of violations or signs that may be a safety hazard, we will begin removing signs the week of October 18th.
Please make sure that your signs meet our community standards. If you notice neighbors might have a sign that does not comply, please inform them of the standards if you are comfortable doing so; they may not be aware.
The above standards are for the Steuben County Plan Commission jurisdiction only. Angola, Ashley, Clear Lake, Fremont, Hamilton, Hudson, or Orland may have different standards. Please contact them directly with any questions.
There may be additional restrictions for signs located near polling locations. Please contact local election officials for details.
Please contact the Steuben County Plan Commission at 260 668.1000 x1600 or plancommission@co.steuben.in.us with any questions.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation, and good luck to all the candidates.
Political signs need to be located 10 feet back from the road right-of-way. Usually, the telephone poles or other utilities are located at the edge of the right-of-way. The online Steuben County GIS can also be used to estimate the right-of-way location. See illustration below.
Political signs need to be located outside of a clear-vision area. The clear-vision area is a triangle that extends 25 feet along the road right-of-way from intersections. See illustration below.
Political signs should only be placed on property with the owner’s permission. There is no maximum number of political signs that can be placed on a property.
Political signs do not require permits but should be removed in a timely manner following the election.
These standards apply equally to all candidates and parties. Signs in violation of these standards may be removed by Plan Commission staff. If the Plan Commission notices a large number of violations or signs that may be a safety hazard, we will begin removing signs the week of October 18th.
Please make sure that your signs meet our community standards. If you notice neighbors might have a sign that does not comply, please inform them of the standards if you are comfortable doing so; they may not be aware.
The above standards are for the Steuben County Plan Commission jurisdiction only. Angola, Ashley, Clear Lake, Fremont, Hamilton, Hudson, or Orland may have different standards. Please contact them directly with any questions.
There may be additional restrictions for signs located near polling locations. Please contact local election officials for details.
Please contact the Steuben County Plan Commission at 260 668.1000 x1600 or plancommission@co.steuben.in.us with any questions.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation, and good luck to all the candidates.
Friday, October 15, 2010
BZA Reminder- October 18, 2010
The Steuben County Board of Zoning Apeals will hold a hearing on Monday, October 18, 2010. The hearing will be located in the Multi-purpose Room of the Steuben Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN and will begin at 7pm.
The agenda for the hearing is located earlier in this weblog or on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site.
The staff report for the hearing is available on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site.
The hearing will be broadcast live on the internet and recorded for later viewing. (Technical issues may interfere with the broadcast.)
Stream videos at Ustream
The agenda for the hearing is located earlier in this weblog or on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site.
The staff report for the hearing is available on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site.
The hearing will be broadcast live on the internet and recorded for later viewing. (Technical issues may interfere with the broadcast.)
Stream videos at Ustream
Report of Collections- October 4/14, 2010
Following is the Steuben County Plan Commission Report of Collections for the period: October 4, 2010, through October 14, 2010. Collections are turned over to the Steuben County Auditor.
Notes: Collections turned in on Friday, October 15, 2010.
| DESCRIPTION | THIS PERIOD | YEAR TO DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Improvement Location Permits | $1,100.00 | $16,035.00 |
| Sign Location Permits | $50.00 | $1,801.00 |
| Fences/Retaining Walls | $30.00 | $410.00 |
| Special Meeting | $0.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Variance Applications | $1,200.00 | $13,100.00 |
| Special Exceptions | $150.00 | $1,050.00 |
| Zone Chane Applications | $0.00 | $1,160.00 |
| Vacations | $1,000.00 | $5,225.00 |
| Subdivision Applications | $200.00 | $5,610.00 |
| Planned Unit Developments | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Legal Ads | $100.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Copying/Postage | $450.00 | $4,951.90 |
| Copy of Zoning Ordinance or Comprehensive Plan | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| Lake Map Directory | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Fines | $350.00 | $4,580.00 |
| Abandoned/Junk Vehicles | $0.00 | $250.00 |
| TOTAL AMOUNT COLLECTED | $4,645.00 | $57,102.90 |
Notes: Collections turned in on Friday, October 15, 2010.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Code Enforcement Update- September 2010
Here is an update of the Steuben County Plan Commission's code enforcement actions for September 2010.
Previous updates are still available for review.
January/February 2010
March/April 2010
May/June 2010
July/August 2010
Environmental Nuisance. (Ordinance 658)
The Plan Commission has received 4 new environmental nuisance complaints in September, 2010. During the same period of 2009, a total of 11 new environmental nuisance complaints were received. For 2010, the Plan Commission has received a total of 50 new complaints.
The following graph shows the new environmental nuisance complaints received by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2009.
Abandoned Vehicles. (Ordinance 771)
The Plan Commission has received 3 new abandoned vehicle complaints in September, 2010. During the same period of 2009, a total of 0 new abandoned vehicle complaints were received. For 2010, the Plan Commission has received a total of 21 new complaints.
The following graph shows the new abandoned vehicle complaints received by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2009.
Sign Violations.
The Plan Commission has opened 6 new cases for sign violations in September, 2010. No tracking data is available to compare this period to the same period of 2009. For 2010, the Plan Commission has opened a total of 36 new sign violation complaints.
Prior to January 2010, sign violations were included in the "other ordinance violations" category. It was created as its own category to improve tracking abilities. These numbers do not include temporary signs that have been removed.
The following graph shows the sign violation cases opened by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2010.
Other Ordinance Violations.
The Plan Commission has opened 24 new cases for other ordinance violations in July & August, 2010. During the same period of 2009, a total of 12 new cases were opened. For 2010, the Plan Commission has opened a total of 89 new complaints.
The most typical "other ordinance" violation is building without a permit. It can also include un-permitted uses of property. Starting in January 2010, the Plan Commission began a separate tracking category for illegal signs/signs installed without a permit. Previously, signs had been included in this category.
The following graph shows the new other ordinance violation cases opened by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2009.
Resolved Violations.
The Plan Commission has closed 15 violation cases in September, 2010. During the same period in 2009, a total of 20 open cases were closed. For 2010, the Plan Commission has resolved a total of 241 violation cases.
Reforms are underway that will reduce the length of time that complaints are open to no more than 90 days. We are pleased to note that since January 2009, the Plan Commission has closed more cases than it received in 14 of the 20 months.
The following graph shows the cases closed by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2009.
Previous updates are still available for review.
January/February 2010
March/April 2010
May/June 2010
July/August 2010
Environmental Nuisance. (Ordinance 658)
The Plan Commission has received 4 new environmental nuisance complaints in September, 2010. During the same period of 2009, a total of 11 new environmental nuisance complaints were received. For 2010, the Plan Commission has received a total of 50 new complaints.
The following graph shows the new environmental nuisance complaints received by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2009.
Abandoned Vehicles. (Ordinance 771)
The Plan Commission has received 3 new abandoned vehicle complaints in September, 2010. During the same period of 2009, a total of 0 new abandoned vehicle complaints were received. For 2010, the Plan Commission has received a total of 21 new complaints.
The following graph shows the new abandoned vehicle complaints received by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2009.
Sign Violations.
The Plan Commission has opened 6 new cases for sign violations in September, 2010. No tracking data is available to compare this period to the same period of 2009. For 2010, the Plan Commission has opened a total of 36 new sign violation complaints.
Prior to January 2010, sign violations were included in the "other ordinance violations" category. It was created as its own category to improve tracking abilities. These numbers do not include temporary signs that have been removed.
The following graph shows the sign violation cases opened by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2010.
Other Ordinance Violations.
The Plan Commission has opened 24 new cases for other ordinance violations in July & August, 2010. During the same period of 2009, a total of 12 new cases were opened. For 2010, the Plan Commission has opened a total of 89 new complaints.
The most typical "other ordinance" violation is building without a permit. It can also include un-permitted uses of property. Starting in January 2010, the Plan Commission began a separate tracking category for illegal signs/signs installed without a permit. Previously, signs had been included in this category.
The following graph shows the new other ordinance violation cases opened by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2009.
Resolved Violations.
The Plan Commission has closed 15 violation cases in September, 2010. During the same period in 2009, a total of 20 open cases were closed. For 2010, the Plan Commission has resolved a total of 241 violation cases.
Reforms are underway that will reduce the length of time that complaints are open to no more than 90 days. We are pleased to note that since January 2009, the Plan Commission has closed more cases than it received in 14 of the 20 months.
The following graph shows the cases closed by the Steuben County Plan Commission per month since January 2009.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
BZA Results- October 12, 2010
SE-10-02 Boat House, LLC - Special Exception CONTINUED with an additional condition (4-0)
Review of a previously approved Special Exception Use for a marina in a General Business zoning district.
Conditions: No more than 2 special events per month.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54A Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Fence erected in the public right-of-way.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54B Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Road-front setback of minus three (-3) feet rather than the five (5) required for a fence.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54C Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Height of six (6) feet rather than the two (2) feet required for a fence in a clear-vision zone.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54D Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Road-front height of six (6) feet rather than the four (4) feet allowed for a fence.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54E Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Fence that is one hundred (100) percent opaque rather than the forty-nine (49) percent allowed.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-61 Larry & Marie Font - APPROVED (4-0)
Road-front setback of seventeen (17) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-62 Edison Jr & Doris Geeting - APPROVED with conditions (4-0)
Lakefront setback of ten (10) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required.
Conditions: Deck not to be enclosed.
Notes: Building Commission will require the deck to be reconstructed to comply with the IRC building codes. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-63A Larry & Linda Rorick - APPROVED (4-0)
Lakefront setback of twenty (20) feet rather than the traverse line setback required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-63B Larry & Linda Rorick - APPROVED (4-0)
Building-to-building setback of six and five tenths (6.5) feet rather than the ten (10) feet required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
SE-10-07 James Wolf & Don & Barbara Odell - APPROVED as presented (4-0)
Special Exception Use for commercial, outdoor boat storage in a General Business Zoning District.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
Review of a previously approved Special Exception Use for a marina in a General Business zoning district.
Conditions: No more than 2 special events per month.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54A Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Fence erected in the public right-of-way.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54B Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Road-front setback of minus three (-3) feet rather than the five (5) required for a fence.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54C Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Height of six (6) feet rather than the two (2) feet required for a fence in a clear-vision zone.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54D Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Road-front height of six (6) feet rather than the four (4) feet allowed for a fence.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-54E Mark Edwards - DENIED (0-4)
Fence that is one hundred (100) percent opaque rather than the forty-nine (49) percent allowed.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Post-construction. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-61 Larry & Marie Font - APPROVED (4-0)
Road-front setback of seventeen (17) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-62 Edison Jr & Doris Geeting - APPROVED with conditions (4-0)
Lakefront setback of ten (10) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required.
Conditions: Deck not to be enclosed.
Notes: Building Commission will require the deck to be reconstructed to comply with the IRC building codes. Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-63A Larry & Linda Rorick - APPROVED (4-0)
Lakefront setback of twenty (20) feet rather than the traverse line setback required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
V-10-63B Larry & Linda Rorick - APPROVED (4-0)
Building-to-building setback of six and five tenths (6.5) feet rather than the ten (10) feet required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
SE-10-07 James Wolf & Don & Barbara Odell - APPROVED as presented (4-0)
Special Exception Use for commercial, outdoor boat storage in a General Business Zoning District.
Conditions: As presented.
Notes: Only 4 members of the BZA present.
Friday, October 8, 2010
BZA Reminder- October 12, 2010
The Steuben County Board of Zoning Apeals will hold a hearing on Tuesday, October 12, 2010. The hearing will be located in the Multi-purpose Room of the Steuben Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN and will begin at 7pm.
The agenda for the hearing is located earlier in this weblog or on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site.
The staff report for the hearing will be available shortly on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site or upon request.
The hearing will be broadcast live on the internet and recorded for later viewing. (Technical issues may interfere with the broadcast.)
Stream videos at Ustream
The agenda for the hearing is located earlier in this weblog or on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site.
The staff report for the hearing will be available shortly on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site or upon request.
The hearing will be broadcast live on the internet and recorded for later viewing. (Technical issues may interfere with the broadcast.)
Stream videos at Ustream
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Office Closing- October 11, 2010
The Steuben County Plan Commission and the Steuben County Offices will be closed on Monday, October 11, 2010, in observance of Columbus Day.
Have a safe and fun holiday everybody!
Have a safe and fun holiday everybody!
Plan Commission Results- October 6, 2010
Z-10-08 Ned & Judy Sullins - Forwarded with a FAVORABLE Recommendation with Conditions (6-0-1)
Zone Change from Agriculture to Local Business.
Conditions: 1) The proposed store be hooked-up with a sewer system. 2) Commercial uses be limited to light commercial. 3) No sale of fuel on the property.
Notes: Petition is forwarded to the Steuben County Board of Commissioners. Crowl abstained.
SE-10-07 James Wolf & Don & Barbara Odell - Proposed Special Exception WILL NOT adversely impact the Comprehensive Plan (7-0)
Special Exception Use for a commercial, outdoor boat storage in a General Business zoning district.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Petition is forwarded to the Board of Zoning Appeals. They will hear the petition on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.
P-10-15 Thomas Hanselman et al & Ruth Ann Crum - APPROVED (7-0)
Primary approval of the minor subdivision "Johnston Acres."
Conditions: None.
Notes: Secondary approval is conducted by Plan Commission Staff.
P-10-16 Eileen Schaab - APPROVED with conditions (7-0)
Primary approval of the minor subdivision "Schaab's Aisling."
Conditions: Applicant must confirm public access to the proposed lot prior to secondary approval.
Notes: Secondary approval is conducted by Plan Commission Staff.
VPW-10-04 Stephen Leininger - Forwarded with a FAVORABLE Recommendation (6-0-1)
Vacation of a platted way.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Petition is forwarded to the Steuben County Board of Commissioners. Crowl abstained.
VPW-10-05 Michael & Nicole Tomei - Forwarded with a FAVORABLE Recommendation (6-0-1)
Vacation of a platted way.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Petition is forwarded to the Steuben County Board of Commissioners. Crowl abstained.
Zone Change from Agriculture to Local Business.
Conditions: 1) The proposed store be hooked-up with a sewer system. 2) Commercial uses be limited to light commercial. 3) No sale of fuel on the property.
Notes: Petition is forwarded to the Steuben County Board of Commissioners. Crowl abstained.
SE-10-07 James Wolf & Don & Barbara Odell - Proposed Special Exception WILL NOT adversely impact the Comprehensive Plan (7-0)
Special Exception Use for a commercial, outdoor boat storage in a General Business zoning district.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Petition is forwarded to the Board of Zoning Appeals. They will hear the petition on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.
P-10-15 Thomas Hanselman et al & Ruth Ann Crum - APPROVED (7-0)
Primary approval of the minor subdivision "Johnston Acres."
Conditions: None.
Notes: Secondary approval is conducted by Plan Commission Staff.
P-10-16 Eileen Schaab - APPROVED with conditions (7-0)
Primary approval of the minor subdivision "Schaab's Aisling."
Conditions: Applicant must confirm public access to the proposed lot prior to secondary approval.
Notes: Secondary approval is conducted by Plan Commission Staff.
VPW-10-04 Stephen Leininger - Forwarded with a FAVORABLE Recommendation (6-0-1)
Vacation of a platted way.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Petition is forwarded to the Steuben County Board of Commissioners. Crowl abstained.
VPW-10-05 Michael & Nicole Tomei - Forwarded with a FAVORABLE Recommendation (6-0-1)
Vacation of a platted way.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Petition is forwarded to the Steuben County Board of Commissioners. Crowl abstained.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Calendar for October 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010, at 9:00am.
Lakes Advisory Board Meeting
Presbyterian Chapel of the Lakes
Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Plan Commission Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
5 New Agenda Items
1 Old Agenda Item
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
Plan Commission Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording (pending technical issues)
Thursday, October 7, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Design Review Committee*
Pillar Room or Board Room, Steuben County Community Center
Meeting is open to the public.
* If necessary.
Friday, October 8, 2010, at 4:00pm.
November Hearing Sign-Up Deadline
Steuben County Plan Commission Office
Notes: All applications must be complete at time of submission.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
5 New Agenda Items
1 Old Agenda Item
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Staff Report not available on the GIS Home Tab at this time. Contact the Plan Commission if you would like to receive a copy.
Webcast/Recording
Monday, October 18, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing*
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
5 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Agenda and Staff Report not available on the GIS Home Tab at this time. Contact the Plan Commission if you would like to receive a copy.
Webcast/Recording
Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 8:00 am
Plan Commission Site Survey*
Various sites throughout the county. Site survey begins in the Steuben County Community Center.
Site survey is open to the public.
* If necessary.
Friday, October 29, 2010, at 7:00 am
Board of Zoning Appeals Site Survey*
Various sites throughout the county. Site survey begins in the Steuben County Community Center.
Site survey is open to the public.
*If necessary.
Lakes Advisory Board Meeting
Presbyterian Chapel of the Lakes
Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Plan Commission Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
5 New Agenda Items
1 Old Agenda Item
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
Plan Commission Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording (pending technical issues)
Thursday, October 7, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Design Review Committee*
Pillar Room or Board Room, Steuben County Community Center
Meeting is open to the public.
* If necessary.
Friday, October 8, 2010, at 4:00pm.
November Hearing Sign-Up Deadline
Steuben County Plan Commission Office
Notes: All applications must be complete at time of submission.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
5 New Agenda Items
1 Old Agenda Item
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Staff Report not available on the GIS Home Tab at this time. Contact the Plan Commission if you would like to receive a copy.
Webcast/Recording
Monday, October 18, 2010, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing*
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
5 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Agenda and Staff Report not available on the GIS Home Tab at this time. Contact the Plan Commission if you would like to receive a copy.
Webcast/Recording
Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 8:00 am
Plan Commission Site Survey*
Various sites throughout the county. Site survey begins in the Steuben County Community Center.
Site survey is open to the public.
* If necessary.
Friday, October 29, 2010, at 7:00 am
Board of Zoning Appeals Site Survey*
Various sites throughout the county. Site survey begins in the Steuben County Community Center.
Site survey is open to the public.
*If necessary.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Plan Commission Reminder- October 6, 2010
The Steuben County Plan Commission will hold a hearing on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. The hearing will be located in the Multi-purpose Room of the Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN. and will begin at 7pm.
The agenda for the hearing is located earlier in this weblog or on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site.
The staff report for the hearing may be viewed on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS.
Please note that due to demands on staff time, the code enforcement presentation has been removed from the agenda.
The hearing will be broadcast live on the internet and recorded for later viewing. (Technical issues may interfere with the broadcast.)
Free live streaming by Ustream
The agenda for the hearing is located earlier in this weblog or on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS site.
The staff report for the hearing may be viewed on the "Home Tab" of the Steuben County GIS.
Please note that due to demands on staff time, the code enforcement presentation has been removed from the agenda.
The hearing will be broadcast live on the internet and recorded for later viewing. (Technical issues may interfere with the broadcast.)
Free live streaming by Ustream
BZA Agenda- October 18, 2010
Notice is hereby given that the Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on October 18, 2010, at 7:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN, for consideration of the following agenda:
1. (V-10-64AB) Gerald & Susan Snyder petition for two developmental-standard variances for a new, detached garage. Variances are for a height of two (2) stories rather than the one (1) story allowed & for plumbing for water & sewer in a detached, accessory structure. Property is located north of 6735 W N Lk Gage, Section 35 of Millgrove Twp(Map# 76-04-35-310-216.000-007),
2. (V-10-65) Donald & Nancy Wunrow petition for one developmental-standard variance for a home addition. Variance is for an impervious coverage of sixty-one (61) percent rather than the fifty (50) percent allowed. Property is located at 3430 W Shady Side, Section 17of Pleasant Twp(Map# 76-06-17-120-127.000-011),
3. (V-10-66) Gerald Coler petitions for one developmental-standard variance for a new shed. Variance is for a road-front setback of eight (8) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required. Property is located at 1220 W Main, Section 15 of Steuben Twp(Map# 76-11-15-410-215.000-017),
4. (V-10-67) Russell & Rebecca Bredemeyer petition for one developmental-standard variance for a new home. Variances are for a road-front setback of thirteen (13) feet six (6) inches rather than twenty-five (25) feet required. Property is located at 380 LN 105 Turkey Lk, Section 7 of Salem Twp(Map# 76-12-07-210-414.000-014), &
5. (V-10-68) Jerome & Yvonne Loos petition for a one developmental-standard variance for a new, detached garage. Variance is for a height of three (3) stories rather than the one (1) story allowed. Property is located at 2150 N Black Oak, Section 7 of Pleasant Twp(Map# 76-06-07-000-003.040-011).
The above petitions are on file for public examination in the Plan Commission Office, 317 S Wayne St Ste 3L, Angola, IN. Written statements may be filed with the Steuben County Plan Director and may be considered by the BZA at the public hearing. Interested persons wishing to present their views on a petition will be given the opportunity to do so at the hearing. Hearings on particular petitions may be continued at the discretion of the BZA. Petitions requiring the consideration of the Board of Commissioners will be heard at their next regularly scheduled meeting with agenda openings.
1. (V-10-64AB) Gerald & Susan Snyder petition for two developmental-standard variances for a new, detached garage. Variances are for a height of two (2) stories rather than the one (1) story allowed & for plumbing for water & sewer in a detached, accessory structure. Property is located north of 6735 W N Lk Gage, Section 35 of Millgrove Twp(Map# 76-04-35-310-216.000-007),
2. (V-10-65) Donald & Nancy Wunrow petition for one developmental-standard variance for a home addition. Variance is for an impervious coverage of sixty-one (61) percent rather than the fifty (50) percent allowed. Property is located at 3430 W Shady Side, Section 17of Pleasant Twp(Map# 76-06-17-120-127.000-011),
3. (V-10-66) Gerald Coler petitions for one developmental-standard variance for a new shed. Variance is for a road-front setback of eight (8) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required. Property is located at 1220 W Main, Section 15 of Steuben Twp(Map# 76-11-15-410-215.000-017),
4. (V-10-67) Russell & Rebecca Bredemeyer petition for one developmental-standard variance for a new home. Variances are for a road-front setback of thirteen (13) feet six (6) inches rather than twenty-five (25) feet required. Property is located at 380 LN 105 Turkey Lk, Section 7 of Salem Twp(Map# 76-12-07-210-414.000-014), &
5. (V-10-68) Jerome & Yvonne Loos petition for a one developmental-standard variance for a new, detached garage. Variance is for a height of three (3) stories rather than the one (1) story allowed. Property is located at 2150 N Black Oak, Section 7 of Pleasant Twp(Map# 76-06-07-000-003.040-011).
The above petitions are on file for public examination in the Plan Commission Office, 317 S Wayne St Ste 3L, Angola, IN. Written statements may be filed with the Steuben County Plan Director and may be considered by the BZA at the public hearing. Interested persons wishing to present their views on a petition will be given the opportunity to do so at the hearing. Hearings on particular petitions may be continued at the discretion of the BZA. Petitions requiring the consideration of the Board of Commissioners will be heard at their next regularly scheduled meeting with agenda openings.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Report of Collections- September 24/October 1, 2010
Following is the Steuben County Plan Commission Report of Collections for the period: September 24, 2010, to October 1, 2010. Collections are turned over to the Steuben County Auditor.
| DESCRIPTION | THIS PERIOD | YEAR TO DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Improvement Location Permits | $710.00 | $14,935.00 |
| Sign Location Permits | $172.00 | $1,751.00 |
| Fences/Retaining Walls | $20.00 | $380.00 |
| Special Meeting | $0.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Variance Applications | $700.00 | $11,900.00 |
| Special Exceptions | $0.00 | $900.00 |
| Zone Chane Applications | $0.00 | $1,160.00 |
| Vacations | $0.00 | $4,225.00 |
| Subdivision Applications | $0.00 | $5,410.00 |
| Planned Unit Developments | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Legal Ads | $20.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Copying/Postage | $100.60 | $4,501.90 |
| Copy of Zoning Ordinance or Comprehensive Plan | $0.00 | $15.00 |
| Lake Map Directory | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Fines | $140.00 | $4,230.00 |
| Abandoned/Junk Vehicles | $0.00 | $250.00 |
| TOTAL AMOUNT COLLECTED | $1,862.60 | $52,457.90 |
Notes: Collections turned in on Monday, October 4, 2010.
BZA Results- September 28, 2010
V-10-60 John & Sue Jane Spears & Erie Haven - APPROVED (3-2)
Concrete plant in an Environmental Control Zoning District where the proposed use is neither a permitted nor a special exception use.
Conditions: None.
Notes: The vote at the September 13, 2010, BZA Hearing was inconclusive (2-2). A recording of the hearing was given to the absent BZA Member for review. That member cast his ballot on September 28, 2010, at 8:00 am in the Plan Commission Office.
Concrete plant in an Environmental Control Zoning District where the proposed use is neither a permitted nor a special exception use.
Conditions: None.
Notes: The vote at the September 13, 2010, BZA Hearing was inconclusive (2-2). A recording of the hearing was given to the absent BZA Member for review. That member cast his ballot on September 28, 2010, at 8:00 am in the Plan Commission Office.
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