Planners discuss reintroducing PUD overlay and new state housing report requirements
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Summary
Commissioners discussed reintroducing a Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay to encourage mixed-use and higher-density housing options and reviewed state legislation (House Bill 1001) that will require annual housing reporting and other ordinance adjustments; staff will return draft language and advertise for a public hearing.
The Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission discussed reintroducing a Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay to provide an additional zoning tool for mixed-use and higher-density housing and reviewed new state requirements that will impose annual housing reporting duties on planning bodies.
Staff described the PUD as an overlay zoning district that would allow a development plan review and provide flexibility—such as reduced lot sizes, mixed residential and commercial uses, and promoting walkability—while preserving compatibility conditions for adjacent properties. "The idea behind the plan unit development is it would essentially become an additional zoning overlay," Plan Director Matt Sandy said, citing examples such as the South Shore project and a redevelopment around a former Madison School site.
Commissioners and consultants discussed technical constraints and tradeoffs. Several members noted higher densities often require sewer rather than septic and that any reduction in setbacks would be internal to the PUD rather than infringing on neighboring lots. Concerns included ensuring adequate design standards, addressing fire and hydrant needs, and protecting neighbors from adverse effects.
Staff also summarized recent state legislation. Under House Bill 1001, counties and municipalities will have new annual reporting responsibilities for housing growth and must account for demolished or converted units; staff said the first reports are not due until the end of the year but that the commission will need to consider ordinance and permitting changes to collect the required data. The law also constrains fee changes (fees may be adjusted only every five years and must be linked to a published index) and includes provisions that will require airport-overlay ordinances near airports.
Commissioners agreed to take additional time to review draft PUD language and directed staff to return with materials for potential advertising and a public hearing next month.