The goal of the Elkhart County Development Ordinance project was to combine their subdivision and zoning ordinances into one modern development ordinance. The new ordinance should be easier to understand by all users to make these regulations more accessible to the general public and elected officials. During this process, we also recommended small adjustments such as including bicycle parking incentives, allowing more uses and housing types, and required more buffering and screening abutting residential uses. This ordinance is not only pleasant to read and easier to understand, but also uplifts the perception of the Elkhart County Planning & Development Department in the eyes of the residents, developers, and the statewide planning community.

The Elkhart County Development Ordinance is still in draft form and will be adopted March 2024.