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Commissioners advance flood-hazard ordinance and approve zoning changes aligning with new state school law
Summary
The board approved first-reading action on a flood hazard protection ordinance that will replace the existing chapter and accepted an APC-recommended ordinance amending zoning rules to reflect state law that allows schools in any zoning category and to permit extensions for special-use starts.
Vanderburgh County commissioners on July 29 voted to advance a proposed flood hazard protection ordinance (resolution CODotR-07-25-006) to replace the existing Chapter 18.04 and held a separate vote to approve an amendment to the county land-use code that implements recent state law for schools and adds administrative flexibility for special-use timeframes.
County staff explained the proposed flood-hazard ordinance largely mirrors state requirements and applies to special flood areas in the county. The ordinance designates an employee of the Building Commission as administrator and would require the county to submit an updated Title VI plan and ADA transition plan by Oct. 1, 2025 to remain eligible for federal funds. Staff said failure to adopt the updated ordinance could lead to higher homeowners insurance for some residents.
Commissioner motion advanced the ordinance on first reading; staff confirmed the next meeting will host the final vote. Commissioners said the county had an updated Title VI plan in November and that ADA transition plans are required to be updated every three years, with the county’s last comprehensive ADA update dated 2015. County staff said they have begun work and will seek feedback from NDOT.
Separately, the board accepted an Area Plan Commission (APC) recommendation (8–0) and approved an ordinance amending Chapter 17.28 concerning land use and zoning. The amendment removes schools from the special-use category (the state now allows schools in any zoning classification) and creates a dedicated use group for schools. The ordinance also allows applicants to request a time-extension for starting an approved special use (for example, extending the one-year start requirement to two years) as part of the original application and lets the board approve that extension without a separate return to the board for each extension.
Commissioners voted in favor of both measures. The flood-hazard ordinance requires a final reading at the next meeting to take effect; the zoning amendment carried the APC’s positive recommendation and was accepted by the board during the meeting.
Votes at a glance: First reading advanced for the flood-hazard protection ordinance (final vote scheduled next meeting); APC-recommended land-use amendment accepted by commissioners.
