The Joint Work Session with the Elkhart Planning Commission held on July 30, 2025, focused on updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) aimed at reducing nonconformities in zoning regulations. The meeting began with a presentation by Cynthia Veil from Rundell Arnsberger, who outlined the goals of the code update, emphasizing the importance of minimizing nonconformities to facilitate buildable lots.

Veil explained that a comprehensive analysis using the Geographic Information System (GIS) was conducted to assess lot width and area across various districts. The analysis revealed that the current nonconformity rate in the R1 District was approximately 21%, with 557 identified nonconformities. By proposing a change in the lot width requirement from 65 feet to 60 feet, the nonconformity rate could potentially be reduced to 10%, or 270 nonconformities.

The presentation included a detailed overview of the UDO's structure, highlighting the table of contents designed to guide users through the document. Each chapter's purpose was clearly defined, allowing residents to easily navigate zoning regulations. Hyperlinks were incorporated into the digital version of the UDO for user convenience.

Veil also discussed the foundational chapters of the UDO, which outline its legal basis and relationship to the comprehensive plan mandated by state law. Key updates included the addition of sections addressing the purpose of the UDO and clarifications on conflicts with other laws.

The meeting further addressed the importance of reducing nonconformities while expanding regulations to allow property owners more flexibility in making improvements without full compliance. This approach aims to balance development needs with existing property conditions.

Overall, the session underscored the city's commitment to refining zoning regulations to enhance development opportunities while minimizing nonconformities, setting the stage for future discussions and potential approvals. The next steps will involve further review and feedback from the community as the UDO is finalized.