Staff flags multiple 2026 Indiana law changes for the UDO — shooting ranges, short‑term rentals, housing audit requirement

Staff reviewed three categories of 2026 Indiana legislation the town must incorporate into the UDO. First, the presentation referenced a Senate enrolled act (identified in the transcript as "Senate Enrolled Act ... 176") that requires municipalities to add definitions for retail sporting goods stores and indoor shooting ranges and to allow indoor shooting ranges and retail sporting goods as by‑right uses in commercial and industrial zones if state standards are met. Staff said the town must add definitions and a will‑serve letter option, and ensure ordinance sections address noise, projectile containment and applicable federal and state safety standards.

Second, staff described a House enrolled act (transcript reference: "House Enrolled Act 1210") that requires jurisdictions to add the term "short term rental" and prevents a municipality from prohibiting homeowners from renting dwelling units for fewer than 30 days in most cases; staff said HOAs should consult their own counsel about private covenants. Third, staff summarized 'HCA 1001' (referred to in the presentation as a housing matters bill) requiring towns to audit their ordinances and hold a public hearing by January 1 to evaluate whether current rules permit higher‑density housing types (duplexes, triplexes, accessory dwelling units, modular homes) and to consider changes to impact fees, permitting timelines, and other incentives for affordable housing.

Staff said they have worked with the town attorney on draft definitions where possible and will circulate proposed text. They recommended the commission identify which BMPs and specific standards the town prefers so staff can fold them into UDO amendments. Several commissioners asked for clarifications about HOA authority and the limits of local regulation; staff said HOA covenants are private matters and would require separate legal review.