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City of Goshen, IN

Board of Zoning Appeals

Helping Goshen residents navigate zoning questions

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Planning & Zoning Department

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Board of Zoning Appeals

The Goshen Board of Zoning Appeals provides property owners a process to seek relief from certain zoning requirements. The board serves as a quasi-judicial body and works to ensure the fair application of Goshen’s zoning regulations.

Zoning divides the city into districts and determines which uses are permitted on individual properties. Property owners can contact the Planning & Zoning Department to determine their zoning classification or learn more about applicable requirements.

Purpose and Responsibilities

The Board of Zoning Appeals considers requests in three primary areas:

  • Appeals of administrative decisions involving zoning regulations
  • Special use permits
  • Variances or special exceptions from development standards

The board includes five members who serve four-year terms. The mayor appoints three members, while the City Council and Plan Commission each appoint one.

Members must live or own real property within Goshen city limits. The board does not require political balance.

Who Serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals?

Board Members

Tom Holtzinger, chair
Mayor appointment
Plan Commission member
Term: Jan. 1, 2026-Dec. 31, 2029
Member since 2008

Lee Rohn, vice chair
City Council appointment
Term: Jan. 1, 2025-Dec. 31, 2028
Member since January 2020

Hesston Lauver, secretary
Plan Commission appointment
Plan Commission member
Term: Jan. 1, 2026-Dec. 31, 2029
Member since January 2022

Matthew Fisher
Mayor appointment
Term: Jan. 1, 2024-Dec. 31, 2027
Member since January 2021

James Loewen
Mayor appointment
Term: Jan. 1, 2024-Dec. 31, 2027
Member since January 2021

Youth Advisor: Itzel Perez
Term: June 2026-May 2027

Planning & Zoning Department

Rhonda Yoder
Planning & Zoning Administrator
574-537-3815
[email protected]

Rossa Deegan
Assistant Planning & Zoning Administrator
574-534-3505
[email protected]

Lori Lipscomb
Administrative Assistant
574-534-3600
[email protected]

City Council liaisons

Phil Lederach
Doug Nisley

2026 Meetings and public information

The Goshen Board of Zoning Appeals meets at 4 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the City Council Chambers, 111 E. Jefferson St.

Meetings for 2026:

  • Jan. 27
  • Feb. 24
  • March 24
  • April 28
  • May 26
  • June 24
  • July 28
  • Aug. 25
  • Sept. 22
  • Oct. 27
  • Nov. 24
  • Dec. 22

Meetings & Events All Meets & Events

Board of Public Works and Safety (Claims Only)

Thursday, August 20, 2026, 4:00pm

The Board of Public Works and Safety and Stormwater Board is the chief administrative body for the City of Goshen. It oversees the day-to-day business of the City, including bids and quotes, contracts. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88469251269 To watch previous meetings visit: https://youtube.com/@cityofgoshenindiana2605?si=Z9-rQEOKF4D7fR6jThe Board of Public Works and Safety and Stormwater Board is the chief administrative body for the City of Goshen. It oversees the day-to-day business of the City, including bids and quotes, contracts. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88469251269 To watch previous meetings visit: https://youtube.com/@cityofgoshenindiana2605?si=Z9-rQEOKF4D7fR6j

CANCELED: Traffic Commission

Thursday, August 20, 2026, 4:30pm

Public may join in person or virtually by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82008712718

Parks & Recreation Annual Kids Touch a Truck at Shanklin Park

Saturday, August 22, 2026, 9:00am

Goshen Parks and Recreation hosts Touch-a-Truck from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Shanklin Park, 411 W. Plymouth Ave. Kids can explore vehicles and meet the police and fire chiefs, along with Mayor Leichty.