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Council adopts UDO updates creating change‑of‑occupancy permit and acknowledging private inspection option
Summary
Ordinance Z‑700‑25 updates Carmel's Unified Development Ordinance to create a formal change‑of‑occupancy permit, clarify certificate‑of‑occupancy inspection steps, and address a new state law that allows private inspections.
CARMEL, Ind. — The Common Council on July 21 adopted ordinance Z‑700‑25, an amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance that updates procedures and inspection practices tied to certificates of occupancy and creates a formal change‑of‑occupancy permit for existing buildings.
Mike Hollabaugh, director of Community Services, said the city’s existing certificate‑of‑occupancy language dated to 2009 and needed updating. The amendment clarifies that multiple inspections may be required during construction and establishes a change‑of‑occupancy permit to capture tenant changes or changes in use that may not always follow a full remodel permit process.
Hollabaugh said the update also incorporates initial language to reflect a new Indiana law that permits private inspections in some cases; the city will publish guidance and checklists so property owners and tenants understand when a building department inspection or a private inspection is appropriate. Fire‑department staff and Building Safety participated in drafting the language, Hollabaugh said.
Why it matters: the change‑of‑occupancy permit is intended to improve life‑safety oversight for tenant moves and changes of use by ensuring building and fire officials can review required items—smoke detectors, egress, fire extinguishers and wiring—before occupancy.
The ordinance was on the council agenda after review by the land‑use committee and Plan Commission; council suspended rules and acted the same night to adopt the amendment.
