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Commission attorney urges buyer notice for mini-barns, says Indiana insignia required for residential approval
Summary
Commission Attorney Lisa M. Fleming told the Washington County Plan Commission July 1 that locally manufactured mini-barns and small cabins are not approved for residential use unless they carry the Indiana insignia, and she provided a draft notice for vendors and buyers warning of structural and foundation requirements.
Commission Attorney Lisa M. Fleming reported July 1 that locally manufactured mini-barns and small cabins are being offered in the county and that the planning staff drafted a buyer notice for use by local vendors.
Fleming said the draft notice advises that these units are not approved for residential use unless they carry the Indiana insignia (a state-shaped mark in blue, gold or red) indicating state approval. Fleming noted that the insignia appears in different locations on units — sometimes on the exterior and sometimes inside — and that structural and foundation requirements differ between approved residential housing and unapproved accessory structures.
Commissioner Lori Gilstrap and Fleming discussed a specific cabin recently placed near Highway 135 by Brown Road; Fleming said she would investigate whether that unit meets requirements and report back. The commission did not take regulatory action at the meeting beyond requesting staff follow-up and issuing a consumer-notice draft for further consideration.
Next steps Fleming will examine the cabin near Highway 135 and continue refining the buyer notice for possible future adoption or distribution to local vendors.
