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Board discusses code updates on excavation permits, sidewalks and a lighting ordinance template
Summary
Staff presented proposed updates to excavation/utility permit requirements, sidewalk standards and a lighting‑ordinance template; members discussed notice to residents, bonds for sidewalks, ADA requirements, who pays for lighting tests and use of dark‑sky fixtures and asked staff to draft ordinance language for review.
The board reviewed proposed code‑book updates intended to tighten utility excavation requirements, clarify sidewalk installation timing and introduce a lighting ordinance template.
On excavation and utility work, staff proposed a checklist or code addition modeled on Mishawaka’s process requiring proof of notice to affected residents and engineer review for emergency exceptions. Members suggested using door hangers or green‑card proof of notice and recommended the town engineer evaluate emergency permit exceptions. "I think it's a great way to make sure that things are getting done properly, that there's communication, that there's accountability," the building commissioner said when comparing the draft to Mishawaka's system.
On sidewalks, members debated whether sidewalk requirements should appear in chapter 14 (subdivisions) or chapter 15 (general standards), and whether sidewalks should be required prior to acceptance of subdivisions or when individual lots are built. The board discussed bonds or development guarantees to ensure sidewalks are installed if developers delay construction.
The lighting‑ordinance template prompted questions about technical testing, who pays for testing, and whether to require dark‑sky fixtures. Members cited tall commercial lights (car dealerships) along the highway as a particular concern and referenced Burns Harbor when discussing cumulative bright strips of commercial lighting. Staff described the template as a starting point and agreed to draft a new ordinance that identifies specific standards and responsibilities.
The board asked staff to prepare ordinance language and bring a draft back for review before the end of the summer.
