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Carmel committee adopts UDO changes allowing private inspections for some Class 2 structures; staff to add defining footnote
Summary
The Carmel Plan Commission Committee adopted amendments to UDO sections 9.02 and 11.02 on July 1, 2025, to implement a state law permitting private inspections and plan review for certain Class 2 structures, and asked staff to add a footnote defining Class 2 categories before further circulation.
The Carmel Plan Commission Committee on July 1, 2025, voted to adopt amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (sections 9.02 and 11.02) that implement a forthcoming state law allowing private inspections and private plan review for some structures, and directed staff to add a footnote defining what is included in “Class 2” structures.
Mike Hollabaugh of the Department of Community Services told the committee the ordinance was amended to reflect a state law taking effect Jan. 1 that will let applicants for certain Class 2 structures hire and pay a private provider for inspections and plan review, with specified statutory exceptions. “Applicants have the option of hiring and paying for a private provider,” Hollabaugh said, summarizing the new section. The staff presentation references Indiana Code for exceptions and describes a new subsection that activates the option for Class 2 structures.
Committee member Christina asked whether the ordinance should include a definition or footnote so that someone unfamiliar with Indiana Code could identify which buildings qualify as Class 2 structures; she noted some listings she reviewed included townhomes while others listed different building types. Staff indicated a footnote would be the cleanest approach and agreed to add one. Hollabaugh also told the committee that the department will need to update paperwork, software and processes and that the private‑inspection option may not be widely used locally because of private‑inspector insurance requirements and local scale. “We may not be ready, until, yeah, at least '4 this year,” Hollabaugh said, noting practical implementation tasks.
A committee member moved to adopt the amendments with an added footnote as discussed; the motion was seconded, members voted “aye,” and the motion carried. The record does not state whether the committee's adoption is the final step or whether further City Council action is required; staff said the language was being amended to align with the state law before the Jan. 1 effective date.
The ordinance text discussed includes a highlighted Section C.1 specifying the Class 2 option and references to the applicable Indiana Code exceptions. Staff and committee members emphasized adding a clear in‑text note or footnote explaining the current statutory definition of Class 2 structures because that definition may change if the state revises the code.
