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Technical Review Process for Commercial, Industrial, Multi-Family (3 or more units), and Public/Institutional Projects

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The City of Goshen has two distinct plan review processes: the standard review of permit applications and the Technical Review for more complex projects. Technical Review is a detailed process that occurs after the conceptual stage, typically when a formal application is submitted for approval. This process provides a comprehensive technical analysis of site plans, subdivision plats, or construction documents to ensure they meet city codes.

Unlike the Predevelopment Meeting, which is held earlier in the process for preliminary proposals, Technical Review involves a thorough examination by multiple departments – such as Planning, Engineering, Stormwater, Fire, and Building – to evaluate compliance with technical requirements, including drainage, traffic, and sewer systems. Following the review, a Technical Review meeting is held to discuss feedback, required revisions, and next steps.

For questions about the Technical Review process, please contact Tara Hetler in Goshen Engineering at (574) 534-2201 or via email at [email protected].

Technical Review Process Steps:

Plan Submission
Submit the site plans and all required forms through the online portal three weeks prior to the scheduled Technical Review meeting. Refer to the calendar for submittal deadlines and meeting dates. Follow the provided checklist for required plan information and additional forms, which may vary based on project scope. If the project involves a separate foundation permit, include foundation plans, a Zoning Clearance form for the foundation, and a foundation permit application at the time of submission.
Plan Review and Comment Preparation
Each department (Planning, Engineering, Fire, Stormwater, and Building) will review the submitted plans and prepare comments. These comments will be provided to the applicant one week prior to the Technical Review meeting.
Technical Review Meeting
A meeting will be held with the applicant and staff from the Technical Review Committee to discuss the plans, review comments, and identify any required revisions. This is an opportunity to clarify questions and ensure the project complies with city codes.
Revisions and Resubmission
If revisions are required, the applicant must upload a full set of revised plans through the online portal, along with a resubmittal letter detailing how each comment was addressed. The revised plans must be clearly marked with updated notes and symbols and include the revision date.
Review of Revised Plans
Following the acceptance of the resubmittal, each department will review the revised plans. Our goal is to complete this review within 10 business days. The status of the review process can be monitored through the portal.
Zoning Clearance Issuance
Upon approval of the revised plans, a Zoning Clearance will be issued by the Planning and Engineering Departments. If a separate Zoning Clearance was received for the Foundation, that will also be issued. Foundation permit fees are separate from plan review fees.
- Certain projects may require additional approvals, such as Planned Unit Development (PUD), Subdivision, Developmental, and/or Variance requests.
Submit Construction Plans to Building Department
If the construction plans were not submitted as part of the Technical Review project, submit the full set of building/construction plans to the Building Department via the online portal. This should be done simultaneously with the State submittal (or as soon as plans are available if no State submittal is required). Be sure to include a completed Plan Certification form and the Construction Design Release (once received). The Construction Design Release is not required for the initial submission.
Building Permit Issuance
Once the Zoning Clearance has been issued, plans pass the Building Department’s local plan review, and all fees are paid, the Building Permits will be issued.
Inspections
Inspections will be conducted by the Building, Engineering, Stormwater, and Planning Departments prior to occupancy. For more information on Planning and Stormwater inspection requirements, as well as the Cold Weather Completion Agreement process, click [here].
Certificate of Occupancy
The Certificate of Occupancy (CO) will be issued by the Building Department once all requirements are met. A building may not be occupied or opened for business until the CO is issued.