Monday, February 28, 2011

Job Opening Announcement

POSITION:
Field Code Enforcement Technician
WORK SCHEDULE:
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F
JOB CATEGORY:
COMOT (Clerical, Office Machine Operation, Technician)

DATE WRITTEN: November 1999
STATUS: Full-time
DATE REVISED:
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

The following essential job functions comprise a summary of job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained in the job description prepared for this position. The job description will serve as the primary document in the selection and hiring process; and constitutes the context for incumbent job performance and evaluation. To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Conducts on-site inspections and ensures compliance with the relative Improvement Location Permits and the Developmental Standards of the Plan Commission regarding new construction;
  • Performs construction site previews prior to construction to inform owner of options and to establish parameters for construction particularly involving lake residential properties;
  • Receives, processes and follows up on complaints received involving compliance with all ordinances as directed by the Director;
  • Initiate and post any required paperwork relative to field inspections, project compliance and complaint responses. Collect and document all evidence regarding any potential legal proceedings necessary relative to the enforcement of said ordinances;
  • Write the citations, stop work orders, the notices of abatement, follow-up letters and certificates of compliance and compliance notifications;
  • Monitor, record and post the red tags and relative notices to abate pertaining to the Abandoned Motor Vehicle Ordinance. Assist the Director in monitoring the Abandoned Motion Vehicle Auctions;
  • Perform related duties as assigned by the Plan Director.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school diploma or GED, with education beyond high school preferred;
  • Working knowledge of and ability to read, interpret and explain applicable laws, ordinances, property legal descriptions, and aerial and plat maps;
  • Working knowledge of and ability to read blueprints, site plans, floor plans, and other working drawings of the construction trade;
  • Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to type with speed and accuracy and properly operate a variety of standard office equipment, including computer software and printer, telephone, fax machine, typewriter, copier and calculator;
  • Ability to prioritize and work on several tasks at the same time, work rapidly for long periods and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions;
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities;
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and work with minimum supervision;
  • Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend, and/or evening hours.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:
Possession of a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS:
Please obtain an application packet from the Plan Commission Office, complete the application, and submit with your resume to:
Steuben County Plan Commission
317 S Wayne St Ste 3L
Angola, IN 46703

1 260.668.1000 X1600
plancommmission@steubencounty.com

POSTING DATE: February 28, 2011
REVIEW BEGINS: March 14, 2011

Calendar for March 2011



Monday, February 28, 2011, at 9:00am.
Lakes Advisory Board Meeting
Presbyterian Chapel of the Lakes

Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at 7:00pm.
Plan Commission Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
7 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)

Friday, March 4, 2011, at 4:00pm.
April Hearing Sign-Up Deadline
Steuben County Plan Commission Office
Notes: All applications must be complete at time of submission.

Monday, March 7, 2011, at 7:00pm.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing
Multi-purpose Room, Steuben County Community Center
3 New Agenda Items
Agenda on GIS “Home Page”, Agenda on Weblog
BZA Staff Report
Hearing is open to the public.
Webcast/Recording

Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 7:00pm.
Design Review Committee*
Pillar Room or Board Room, Steuben County Community Center
Meeting is open to the public.
* If necessary.

Thursday, March 31, 2011, 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, April 1, 2011, 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.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Plan Commission Reminder- March 2, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, March 2, 2011.

The meeting will be held in the Multi-purpose Room in the basement of the Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN and will begin at 7pm.

The agenda for the meeting is available as a weblog entry or as a pdf on the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS website.

The staff report for the meeting is available as a pdf on the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS website, as a hardcopy in the Plan Commission Office, or as a pdf email attachment upon request.

The meeting will be broadcast live on the internet and recorded for later viewing. (Technical issues may interfere with the broadcast.)

Free live streaming by Ustream

Friday, February 25, 2011

Site Survey Attendance- February 24/25, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission conducted a site survey on Thursday, February 24, 2011. The following Plan Commissioners were present: Keck & Schmidt.
Also present was a representative of the Lakes Advisory Board.

The Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals conducted a site survey on Friday, February 25, 2011. The following Board Members were present: Bandelier, Halsey, Keck, & Schmidt.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

BZA Staff Report- March 7, 2011

The Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals Staff Reports are now available online.

You may view or download the March 7, 2011, 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.

Plan Commission Staff Report- March 2, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission Staff Reports are now available online.

You may view or download the March 2, 2011, 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.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Site Survey Reminder- February 24/25, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission will conduct a site survey on Thursday, February 24, 2011. The site survey begins at the Community Center, 317 S. Wayne, Angola, IN, parking lot at 8:00 am. Various locations will be visited.

The Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a site survey on Friday, February 25, 2011. 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.

Friday, February 18, 2011

(A-11-01 Revised) Subdivision Control Ordinance Amendment

The revised amendment to the Steuben County Subdivision Control Ordinance, (A-11-01 Revised), is now available on the Home Tab of the Steuben County GIS. It is also available for review at the Plan Commission Office or by request.

This amendment was originally heard by the Plan Commission and forwarded with a FAVORABLE recommendation, with conditions, at its January 5, 2011, meeting.

Staff and legal counsel have reviewed the proposed ordinance with conditions and determined it should be revised to be fully compliant with Indiana Code.

The amendment shows text to be deleted with red strikethrough and the text to be added with red bold italic. It does not show the complete text of the subdivision control ordinance, only those parts that are being amended.

Please contact the Plan Commission Office if you would like to have a copy of either the amendment of the subdivision control ordinance, as it will be with the proposed amendment.

The Plan Commission will reconsider the revised amendment at its public meeting on March 2, 2011. Amendments are then forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Planning Resources- February 17, 2011

There are many local, regional, and national resources available for anybody wanting to learn more about planning. Give one of them a check!

Planetizen provides links to planning-related stories, planning courses, books, editorials, and more.

The Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association hosts training sessions and conferences for planning professionals, citizen planners, and the general public and provides educational materials.

We'll continue to add links to other resources in the future.

Office Closing- February 21, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission and the Steuben County Offices will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2011, in observance of Presidents Day.



Picture from: www.visitingdc.com.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Report of Collections- January 27/February 10, 2011

Following is the Steuben County Plan Commission Report of Collections for the period: January 27, 2011, through February 10, 2011. Collections are turned over to the Steuben County Auditor.

DESCRIPTIONTHIS PERIODYEAR TO DATE
Improvement Location Permits$255.00$880.00
Sign Location Permits$0.00$0.00
Fences/Retaining Walls$10.00$10.00
Special Meeting$0.00$0.00
Variance Applications$500.00$1,550.00
Special Exceptions$0.00$0.00
Zone Chane Applications$270.00$270.00
Vacations$0.00$0.00
Subdivision Applications$300.00$350.00
Planned Unit Developments$0.00$0.00
Legal Ads$30.00$90.00
Copying/Postage$150.30$450.30
Copy of Zoning Ordinance or Comprehensive Plan$0.00$15.00
Lake Map Directory$0.00$0.00
Fines$20.00$70.00
Abandoned/Junk Vehicles$0.00$0.00
TOTAL AMOUNT COLLECTED$1,535.30$3,685.30


Notes: Collections turned in on February 11, 2011.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

BZA Results- February 15, 2011

V-11-07A Edward & Kathleen Murphy - APPROVED with Conditions (3-2)
Side-yard setback of three (3) feet eight (8) inches rather than the five (5) feet required.
Conditions: Living quarters may only be used for temporary guests and family members of Lots 15 & 16 of Uncle Tom's Plat.
Notes: Schmidt recused himself.

V-11-07B Edward & Kathleen Murphy - APPROVED with Conditions (3-2)
Rear-yard setback of six (6) feet seven (7) inches rather than the twenty (20) feet required.
Conditions: Living quarters may only be used for temporary guests and family members of Lots 15 & 16 of Uncle Tom's Plat.
Notes: Schmidt recused himself.

V-11-07C Edward & Kathleen Murphy - DENIED (2-3)
Impermeable coverage of seventy-two and five tenths (72.5) percent rather than the fifty (50) percent allowed.
Conditions: n/a.
Notes: Schmidt recused himself.

BZA Agenda- March 7,2011

Notice is hereby given that the Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on March 7, 2011, 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-11-10) Circle B RV Park Inc & David Benson petition for one land-use variance for a recreational marina. Variance is to operate a recreational marina in an Environmental Control Zoning District where proposed use is neither a permitted nor a special exception use. Property is located at 340 LN 100 Hogback Lk, Section 25 Jackson Twp (Map# 76-05-25-000-015.030-005),

2. (V-11-11ABC) David & Cynthia Streicher petition for three developmental-standard variances for a home addition. Variances are for a building-to-building setback of nine (9) feet rather than the ten (10) feet required, a side-yard setback of four point two (4.2) feet rather than the five (5) feet required, & a side-yard setback of three (3) feet rather than five (5) feet required. Property is located at 200 LN 280 Lk James, Section 10 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-10-220-220.000/020-011), &


*- The link will take you to the first parcel identified in the map number. This weblog and the online GIS are not playing well when it comes to linking for multiple properties so we have included an image of all of the properties in addition to the link.

3. A presentation by the Steuben County Building Department concerning building standards & codes.




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, February 14, 2011

BZA Voting Update- February 15, 2011

(V-11-07ABC) Edward & Kathleen Murphy received 2-2 votes at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on February 7, 2011.

The fifth vote will be cast in the Plan Commission Office on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at 9:00 am.

Members of the public may be present, but no additional evidence can be taken.

The results will be posted on this weblog.

Plan Commission Agenda- March 2, 2011

Notice is hereby given that the Steuben County Plan Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 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. (P-11-03) Mark & Bridget Raab petition for primary approval of the minor subdivision “South 700 East Addition.” The proposed minor subdivision will create two (2) lots measuring roughly twelve (12) & thirteen (13) acres. Property is located at 648 S 700 E, Section 30 of York Twp (Map# 76-08-30-000-013.000-021),

2. (P-11-02) Derwood & Phyllis Anderson petition for primary approval of the minor subdivision “Colinas Del Lego Addition.” The proposed minor subdivision will create two (2) lots measuring roughly one point six (1.6) & forty-three point seven (43.7) acres. Property is located at 6270 W Bachelor, Section 26 of Millgrove Twp (Map# 76-04-26-000-002.000-007),

3. (Z-11-05) Kirk Kohart & Tod Hicks petition for a zone change of two (2) tracts of land. Proposed zone change is from General Business to Residence-1. Properties are located at 470 S 325 W, Section 29 of Pleasant Twp (Map# 76-06-29-000-029/030.000-011),


*- The link will take you to the first parcel identified in the map number. This weblog and the online GIS are not playing well when it comes to linking for multiple properties so we have included an image of all of the properties in addition to the link.

4. (Z-11-06) Steuben County Plan Commission petitions for a zone change of two (2) tracts of land. Proposed zone change is from Agriculture to Lake Residence. Properties are located at 6835 W South Lk Gage, Section 34 Millgrove Twp (Map# 76-04-34-440-207/208.000-007),


*- The link will take you to the first parcel identified in the map number. This weblog and the online GIS are not playing well when it comes to linking for multiple properties so we have included an image of all of the properties in addition to the link.

5. (A-11-01) An amendment to the Steuben County Subdivision Control Ordinance concerning the minor subdivision process, grammatical corrections, & others. The proposed amendment has been revised since original approval by the Plan Commission & will be reconsidered,

6. (A-11-02) An amendment to the Steuben County Zoning Ordinance concerning sign standards, livestock standards, developmental standards for specific uses, developmental standards for zoning districts, permitted uses for zoning districts, improvement location permit requirements, grammatical corrections, & others, &

7. Fee Schedule for Plan Commission services, including, but not limited to, the following: administrative divisions, subdivisions, fences & retaining walls, variances, special exceptions, appeals, & vacations.




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.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Lakes Advisory Board Opening- February 11, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission has an opening for a volunteer to serve on the Lakes Advisory Board.

The Lakes Advisory Board (LAB) is a seven-member board, created to inform the Plan Commission of specific concerns or questions of affected property owners, to aid the Plan Commission in fact finding missions, to provide follow-up information to the Plan Commission concerning possible violations of the zoning ordinance or conditions of approvals, to study the subjects and problems upon request of the Plan Commission, and to report and participate in Plan Commission deliberations.

The LAB is concerned with properties located within 1,000 feet of the shore of any state-owned lake within Steuben County’s jurisdiction, properties zoned Lake Residential, and properties which drain into a creek or body of water that flows into a lake in Steuben County.

Members of the LAB are appointed by the Plan Commission for three-year terms. The open position is for the remainder of an existing appointment and would be through December 31, 2011. Interested individuals should contact the Plan Commission Office to request an application.

Please contact the Steuben County Plan Commission at 260 668.1000 x1600 or plancommission@steubencounty.com with any questions or to volunteer.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Ordinance Amendment Meeting- February 14, 2011

The Steuben County Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinances are considered living documents. The Plan Commission has adopted a policy of reviewing them every year since the current ordinances were adopted in 2008. This annual review allows the ordinances to be improved and to adapt to changing conditions.

Areas needing attention are identified throughout the year by staff, Plan Commissioners, and County Board of Commissioners. The Plan Commission directs staff concerning which amendments to pursue and prepare. All amendments must be consistent with the County’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and Indiana and Federal laws.

Potential amendments are heard by the Plan Commission at a public hearing. Members of the public are able to comment on the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments are then forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners. That body conducts a public hearing and may adopt the proposed amendments or send them back to the Plan Commission for revision.

To improve the process this time, Plan Commission staff have been and will be holding meetings to discuss the proposed amendments. These meetings are open to members of the public and Steuben County Officials, including Plan Commissioners & County Board of Commissioners. The intent is to gather greater input and prepare a better document for the Plan Commission to review at its meetings.

The next meeting to discuss the proposed zoning ordinance amendments will be on Monday, February 14, 2011, at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the basement of the Steuben County Community Center. Areas of discussion may include sign standards, campground standards, carriage houses, and others.

Please contact the Plan Commission Office with any questions.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

County Commissioners Results- February 7, 2011

The following item was heard by the Steuben County Board of Commissioners at their meeting on Monday, February 7, 2011.

Appointment to a position on both the Plan Commission & Board of Zoning Appeals.
PC/BZA- Peter Keck

The County Commissioners and Plan Commission wish to thank everybody who applied for positions. We encourage you to remain involved in the community and to apply again in the future. Thank you!

Plan Commission Agenda Rescheduled- February 2, 2011

Because of severe weather and dangerous roads, the Steuben County Plan Commission public meeting on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, was canceled. The agenda for that meeting has been rescheduled as described below.

The following items will be on the Plan Commission Agenda for Wednesday, March 2, 2011:
(P-11-03) Mark & Bridget Raab,
(A-11-02) An amendment to the Steuben County Zoning Ordinance, &
Fee Schedule for Plan Commission services.

The following item will be on the Plan Commission Agenda for Wednesday, April 6, 2011:
(Z-11-04) Steuben County Plan Commission- Zone change for Ramblin' Acres Backlots.

All of the rescheduled petitions have new notification of the new meeting date. This includes both legal ads and letters to interested persons.

The Plan Commission sincerely apologizes for the delay. We appreciate your understanding with the need to reschedule these items.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

BZA Results- February 7, 2011


V-11-05 Armstrong Property LLC & Bruce Armstrong - APPROVED as presented with conditions (3-2)
Road-front setback of nineteen & two tenths (19.2) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required.
Conditions: 1)Applicants must sign liability waiver. 2)As presented.
Notes: Addition is two stories high.

V-11-06 Brian & Amy Kaufman - APPROVED (5-0)
Road-front setback of ten & eight tenths (10.8) feet rather than the twenty-five (25) feet required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Reduced setback is to add a gabled roof. The footprint of the building will remain unchanged.

V-11-07A Edward & Kathleen Murphy - NO DECISION (2-2)
Side-yard setback of three (3) feet eight (8) inches rather than the five (5) feet required.
Conditions: Living quarters may only be used for temporary guests and family members of Lots 15 & 16 of Uncle Tom's Plat.
Notes: The BZA member who did not vote will receive a recording of the hearing and cast his ballot in the Plan Commission Office at a later date to be announced on this weblog. Members of the public may be present but no additional evidence can be offered. Schmidt recused himself.

V-11-07B Edward & Kathleen Murphy - NO DECISION (2-2)
Rear-yard setback of six (6) feet seven (7) inches rather than the twenty (20) feet required.
Conditions: Living quarters may only be used for temporary guests and family members of Lots 15 & 16 of Uncle Tom's Plat.
Notes: The BZA member who did not vote will receive a recording of the hearing and cast his ballot in the Plan Commission Office at a later date to be announced on this weblog. Members of the public may be present but no additional evidence can be offered. Schmidt recused himself.

V-11-07C Edward & Kathleen Murphy - NO DECISION (2-2)
Impermeable coverage of seventy-two and five tenths (72.5) percent rather than the fifty (50) percent allowed.
Conditions: Living quarters may only be used for temporary guests and family members of Lots 15 & 16 of Uncle Tom's Plat.
Notes: The BZA member who did not vote will receive a recording of the hearing and cast his ballot in the Plan Commission Office at a later date to be announced on this weblog. Members of the public may be present but no additional evidence can be offered. Schmidt recused himself.

V-11-08 Brian & Melissa Cook - APPROVED (4-1)
Fence posts located on the outside of the fenced property rather than on the inside of the fenced property as required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Post-construction variance. Applicants received letters of non-objection for a reduced setback so that variance is no longer necessary.

V-11-09 John & Cynthia Somers - APPROVED as presented (5-0)
Rear-yard setback of five (5) feet rather than the twenty (20) feet required.
Conditions: None.
Notes: Applicants have rotated the building to meet the road-front setback so that variance is no longer necessary.


The BZA meeting was recorded. It is available for viewing at any time on the Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals' ustream page.

February 7, 2011, BZA Hearing.

Friday, February 4, 2011

BZA Reminder- February 7, 2011

The Steuben County Board of Zoning Apeals will hold a hearing on Monday, February 7, 2011. 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

County Commissioners- February 7, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission has the following business before the Steuben County Commissioners on Monday, February 7, 2011.

1:00 - 1:30(ish) pm
Appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission.

Request to spent $175 for membership in the American Planning Association.

*Items may be heard slightly earlier or later than the above time.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Plan Commission Meeting Cancelled- February 2, 2011

The Steuben County Plan Commission Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 02, 2011, has been cancelled.

This decision was not made lightly. We understand the importance of a timely hearing of petitions by citizens and know that individuals rearrange schedules in order to attend our public meetings. However, the safety of petitioners, citizens, Plan Commissioners, and Plan Commission staff is paramount. After consultation with the Steuben County Emergency Management Director, we have determined that the best decision is to cancel tonight’s meeting and reschedule the petitions for a later date.

At this time, no date has been set for the petitions to be heard by the Plan Commission. We will contact petitioners and make the announcement on the Plan Commission’s weblog and through local media when a date has been finalized.

Thank you for your understanding and patience, and please be safe.

BANI Newsletter- February 2010


A version of the following article appears in "The Higher Standard," the newsletter for the Builders Association of Northeast Indiana. www.ba-ni.com.



Traditional planning/zoning divides the community into different zones. In general, each community will have some variation of agricultural, residential, commercial/business, industrial, and specialty zones. The intent of creating different zones is to reduce negative impacts between uses, for example, to make sure a factory or landfill is not built next to your house.

The Steuben County Zoning Ordinance lists 13 different zoning districts: Agriculture, Environmental Control, Residence-1, Residence-2, Residence-3, Lake Residence, Manufactured Home, Local Business, General Business, Accommodation Business, Light Industry, General Industry, and Wind Energy Conversion Overlay.

Each zoning district has a table of uses which describes what uses are permitted (by right), what uses are special exceptions (permitted after a review to determine if certain criteria are met), and what uses are not permitted. Each zoning district also has developmental standards for things like setbacks, building heights, and coverage areas.

The Steuben County Zone Map, the map showing where the different districts are located, was prepared starting in 1970 and adopted in 1974. Since then, it has been amended many times in many places. Zone changes can be initiated by a couple of methods. They can be started by the Plan Commission or the County Board of Commissioners. They can be started by property owners.

Almost all of the zone changes from 1974 through 2008 were initiated by individual property owners. In the fall of 2008, the Plan Commission Office reviewed the zone maps and made a list of areas that needed rezoning. Most of these zone changes are in areas that have had subdivisions developed since the original maps were prepared. For example, the original zoning was as an agricultural district, but the area has been developed for lake homes.

Rezoning the properties to match the existing use and the future use prevents serious headaches for the property owners. For example, a lot near the lake that is zoned agriculture must meet the (larger) setbacks and (smaller) coverages for agriculture. This can make it difficult to add-on to an existing home or to replace a damaged one.

Zone change petitions are heard by the Plan Commission at a public hearing. They review the petition and evaluate it using the following criteria:
(a) Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan and any other applicable, adopted planning studies or reports.
(b) Current Conditions: The current conditions and the character of current structures and uses in each district.
(c) Reasonable Use: The most reasonable use for which the land in each district is adapted.
(d) Property Values: The conservation of property values throughout the planning jurisdiction.
(e) Responsible Growth: Responsible growth and development.

The petition is forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners with a favorable recommendation, an unfavorable recommendation, or no recommendation. The County Commissioners consider the zone change at a public hearing and may enact the zone change.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Plan Commission Meeting + Snowmageddon

The Steuben County Plan Commission public meeting for Wednesday, February 2, 2011, is still scheduled.

If the weather grows as bad as promised, we may be forced to cancel the meeting. If that happens, we will contact the Plan Commissioners and applicants by phone and make the announcement by on this weblog and through local medial.

Stay tuned for updates and drive safely.