Commission recommends allowing parcel ID in public notices to reduce cost, keep legal descriptions in files

The Hancock County Area Plan Commission voted July 28 to forward a favorable recommendation to the county commissioners for a zoning-text amendment that would allow public notices to list a parcel identification number (PIN) instead of the full deed legal description.

A presenter told the commission the change is aimed at reducing publication cost and making notices easier for the public to read: "you can simply include your parcel identification number instead of that full legal description to have published in the newspaper, which will be much cheaper," the presenter said. Staff and counsel noted the ordinance would still require the general location and that full legal descriptions would remain in county application files to preserve specificity where a parcel lacks a common address.

Commissioners raised implementation questions including how to handle parcels with no common address, mailing requirements for interested parties, and whether to include a link to online parcel records. Staff said notices are also mailed to affected homeowners and that state law (pending changes) may eventually allow more notice to appear on the county website instead of the newspaper. After discussion, the commission moved and seconded a favorable recommendation; a roll-call vote recorded all members present voting yes and the motion carried.

Next steps: the county commissioners will consider the plan commission's recommendation and any rewording to address parcels without common addresses and website linkage.