1. DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE Elkhart County
Goshen College Sound of the Environment
October 2, 2013

2. County Commission Draft Adopted Ordinance
Kick Off
Policy Discussions
Critique
Module Drafting
(review by Policy and Tech Committees)
Consolidated Draft
Plan Commission Draft
County Commission Draft
Adopted Ordinance

3. ZONING ORDINANCE BASICS
Laws that implement the policies of the Comprehensive Plan
Permits
Platting
Zoning
Comprehensive Plan
Compliance with specific standards
Subdivision of land, public infrastructure
Land use, impacts, community character
Big picture policies, goals and objectives

4. ZONING ORDINANCE BASICS
Zoning regulates
The private use of land
Permitted, Limited, Special, Prohibited
Specific Use Standards
Rules for nonconforming uses
The impacts of land use on other private and public properties
Setbacks, Height, Lot Coverage, Bulk
Buffers and Screening
Driveways
Community character
Landscaping
Signs
Parking
Residential Density
Exterior Building Materials

5. ZONING ORDINANCE BASICS
A Zoning Ordinance is not…
Subdivision Regulations. Development standards related to streets, utilities, sidewalks, and subdivision of land are in the Subdivision Control Ordinance.
Property Tax Policy. It will not raise or lower the County’s property tax rate.
Annexation Policy. Annexation of land is more closely related to a Town or County comprehensive plan.
Capital Improvements Program. It does not set policy for the extension or improvement of public infrastructure.
Building Code. A building code regulates how structures are built to ensure their future structural soundness and safety.

6. ZONING AND SUSTAINABILITY
Allow green uses “by right”
Give bonuses for green enhancements
Incentivize conservation of open areas
Create places for social interaction
Promote public health
Allow mixing of uses
People
Planet
Recognize market forces
Facilitate doing the right thing
Enhance economic development
Profit

7. ZONING AND SUSTAINABILITY
People
Create places for social interaction
Promote public health
Allow mixing of uses subject to limitations
Copyright © 2008 New Designs for Growth

8. ZONING AND SUSTAINABILITY
Planet
Allow green uses “by right”
Give bonuses for green enhancements
Incentivize conservation of open areas

9. ZONING AND SUSTAINABILITY
Profit
Recognize market forces
Facilitate doing the right thing
Enhance economic development

10. Contact bmabry@elkhartcounty.com
Elkhartcountyplanninganddevelopment.com
Spring Intern

11. How can the Zoning Ordinance reflect sustainable values?
Discussion
How can the Zoning Ordinance reflect sustainable values?