Ordinance Amendment Meeting- January 25, 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 Tuesday, January 25, 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, sketch plan requirements, and others.

Please contact the Plan Commission Office with any further questions.