Commissioners adopt ordinance amendment adding planned unit development option to boost housing and mixed use

Kosciusko County commissioners voted to adopt an amendment to the county zoning code adding a planned unit development (PUD) option intended to encourage innovative residential and commercial projects.

Area Plan staff described the amendment as a tool to permit creative, higher-density developments where sewer service is available and where projects meet a two-acre minimum. The ordinance amendment will require projects to proceed through existing review channels, including Technical Review Committee oversight involving highway and health officials when minor plan changes are proposed.

"This is a really good tool especially with some of the sewered stuff that's happening around the lakes and some small towns being able to really get our density of housing up," an Area Plan participant said, noting the amendment aims to streamline appropriate projects without repeatedly sending small changes back through the full hearing process.

Commission discussion focused on ensuring the ordinance did not create undue burdens for developers seeking minor adjustments; staff said small shifts would typically be handled by technical review rather than reopening the public-hearing process. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the ordinance amendment by voice vote.

The amendment is intended to give the county another mechanism to attract housing and compatible commercial uses where infrastructure supports it. Implementation will rely on technical-review procedures, sewer availability, and project-specific conditions; developers will still need to meet county standards and obtain any necessary permits.