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Council adopts Bristol overlay zoning ordinance on first reading, adds Coffin Farm annexation
Summary
The Town Council voted to adopt ordinance 4-14-2026-10 on first reading, approving county overlay development standards adapted for Bristol and amending the ordinance to include the newly annexed Coffin Farm. The planning commission had given a unanimous favorable recommendation.
The Town Council on April 14 adopted ordinance 4-14-2026-10 on first reading, approving a county-based development standards overlay tailored for Bristol and amending the ordinance to include the recently annexed Coffin Farm.
The overlay creates three districts — downtown core, a transition district and the South Division Corridor — and is intended to preserve downtown character by encouraging buildings close to the street, limiting front-yard parking and outdoor storage and requiring streetscape landscaping. Angela Stuffle of JPR, who presented the proposal, said the overlay follows the overall layout of the Elkhart County development ordinance but is adjusted “to make sure that we have something specific to the character of Bristol.” She noted lighting and sign standards were revised so the town engineer will review photometric plans and sign replacements can be brought into conformance when replaced.
Legal counsel Alex Bowman explained the ordinance’s procedure and said zoning ordinances may be adopted on first reading under state law. He identified the ordinance as 414-2026-10 and told the council the overlay had received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the planning commission. Bowman also advised that map updates would be needed to ensure newly annexed parcels are covered and that adding the Coffin Farm area by motion would be an appropriate step.
During discussion council members asked whether the overlay would permit the town to impose stricter standards through rezoning or a planned-unit development; Angela and Bowman said additional, site-specific standards can be imposed at rezoning or PUD approval. The council opened a public hearing but, seeing no speakers, closed it before the vote.
The council then voted on a motion to adopt the ordinance on first reading as amended to include the Coffin Farm annexation. Roll-call votes were recorded in favor and the motion carried. The ordinance will also be reviewed by the county commissioners as part of parallel processing.
The council’s action implements new standards intended to guide future downtown and corridor development; staff and the town engineer will handle technical reviews and any map adjustments going forward.
