Goshen invites public to review overhaul of 40-year-old zoning rules
GOSHEN, Ind. — The City of Goshen invites the public to review a proposed overhaul of its 40-year-old zoning and subdivision regulations at a Wednesday, Sept. 9 open house.
The public meeting will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Main Conference Room at the City Annex Building, 204 E. Jefferson St. Residents can stop by during the two-hour session to view the final draft and ask questions of task force members and City staff.
The open house marks the next stage of a community process that began early this year. A task force convened by Mayor Gina Leichty has spent several months reviewing Goshen’s use and development regulations and considering public input.
Goshen zoning overhaul builds on community input
The unified development ordinance, or UDO, will update and combine the City’s zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. Both documents are more than 40 years old.
The goal is to create one streamlined document that is easier for residents, developers, businesses and City staff to navigate. The UDO also aims to resolve conflicts, remove outdated provisions and create more consistent development standards.
Task force members have reviewed the existing ordinances section by section while considering technical recommendations and community priorities.
The City also launched a project website earlier this year to explain the process and gather public input. An online survey invited residents, property owners and business leaders to weigh in on growth, housing, transportation and neighborhood character.
That public feedback has helped inform task force discussions as the draft has taken shape. The Sept. 9 open house provides another opportunity for the community to participate before the formal adoption process begins.
Following the open house, the final draft will advance to the Goshen Plan Commission later this year. The Plan Commission will hold a public hearing before considering a recommendation to the Goshen City Council.
City Council will then consider the UDO for final approval. Once adopted, it will become Goshen’s primary guide for zoning, subdivisions and future development decisions.