Monroe CDO

What is the “CDO”

The “CDO” is the County Development Ordinance. This document was adopted and became effective on December 18, 2024. This document encompasses a re-write of our current Zoning and Subdivision Control Ordinances. This update also includes a zoning map update to the entire County jurisdiction (excepting Town of Ellettsville and City of Bloomington). The CDO guides where development can take place, at what scale/density, and what type of development is allowed.

The Plan Commission is reviewing a list of prioritized amendments to the CDO. These amendments are first reviewed by the Ordinance Review Committee, and if agreed upon, are forwarded to the Plan Commission and County Commissioners. At this time, several items from the CDO prioritization list are being forwarded for change:

#1. Sliding Scale requirement for 25-year reservation of the parent parcel and #9 Requirement for sewer vs. packaging plant – discussed during the ORC meeting on 3/10/2025. Research by staff is required before bringing back a new text amendment proposal.

#2. Impervious Cover – Complete. Ordinance 2025-19.

#7. Hearing Officer language is being removed per ORC discussion. Complete. See Ordinance 2025-18.

#13. Track changes identified by Planning Staff and the Legal Department. Substantially Complete. See Ordinance 2025-18.

#14. (Petition Request by County Commissioners) Change to the CDO Zoning Map from High Development to Residential 1. Complete. See Ordinance 2025-11 and Ordinance 2025-12.

Useful Links:

Where are we in the process of the CDO

The CDO has passed. Thank you everyone for your input, and please visit this page for updates as we look to amend the CDO with any tabled items.

The Plan Commission sent a favorable recommendation to the County Commissioners regarding the CDO. The County Commissioners approved the CDO on Wednesday, December 18, at 5:30 PM in the Nat. U Hill Room (you can find a meeting recording here: https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/apps/events/calendar.egov?view=detail;id=5041).

The Plan Commission has commenced their administrative meetings to go over all public comments.

The Plan Commission considered the CDO on Tuesday, November 19, and continued the item to December 16, 2024. The recording for these meetings can be found on the County’s events calendar: https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/apps/events/calendar.egov?view=cal.

Public Comment on the CDO to the Plan Commission:

At the end of the October 1 meeting, the Plan Commission voted to close all public testimony, and to allow written comment until Sunday, October 6th at 5 PM. Below you will find information on how to submit written comment, and a guide for next steps.

Deadline for written comments is October 6 at 5PM:

The deadline to submit written comments for the Plan Commission’s consideration is Sunday, October 6, at 5 PM. The ways in which you may send written comment include:

  1. Submit a Feedback survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNPWyIgrs8Qo4lanoPh1uwAH3dHdwGrOaoDcEBIw_ySkPN6A/viewform ;
  2. Send an email to PlanningOffice@co.monroe.in.us ; or,
  3. Come in to our office (501 N Morton St Suite 224, Bloomington IN 47404) and submit physical written comments

You are welcome to come in to the Planning Office (501 N Morton St Suite 224, Bloomington IN 47404) or call (812-349-2560) if you need assistance in any way.

Next Steps:

The Plan Commission voted to continue the CDO to November 19 at 5:30 PM in the Nat U Hill Room. 

The Plan Commission will be meeting in an Administrative Meeting to go over all written and verbal testimony on the CDO. The date of this Administrative meeting will be announced soon online and via this list serve. The Administrative meeting date will be prior to the November 19 Plan Commission hearing. During the Administrative meeting, the Plan Commission will direct the Planning Department to either make suggested changes based on public feedback, or to not make suggested changes. The Planning Department will draft a new version of the CDO in preparation for the November 19 meeting. No public comment is taken during administrative meetings, but these meetings are open to the public both online and in-person.

At the November 19 Regular Plan Commission meeting, the Plan Commission will vote to either send the revised CDO to the County Commissioners for a final decision, or to continue the CDO to another Plan Commission meeting for further edits and/or discussion. The Plan Commission voted to close public comment on this item; there will not be a chance for the public to speak on this topic at the November 19 meeting. However, this meeting is open to the public; event details are here:https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/apps/events/calendar.egov?view=detail;id=4295.

The CDO is not effective until approved by the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners hearing date is yet to be determined, but we will keep everyone updated online and via this list serve as information is made available.

Helpful links and information:

Please join the email list serve by clicking here: https://monroecdo.com/public-input/#jump.

The recordings from the September 24 meeting and the October 1 meeting are located here:

Postcard Information

Mailed notices (see below) were mailed to all interested parties. People may reach out with questions by email (PlanningOffice@co.monroe.in.us), phone (812-349-2560), or by walking in to our office Monday-Friday 8-4PM at 501 N Morton St, Suite 224, Bloomington, IN 47404. A “Planner of the Day” will be available to assist you.

Update – May 2024

We are moving closer to having a full CDO Draft! We will be updating the homepage with a new “Latest Draft of the CDO” in August 2024. We recently created a new Analysis of Zoning Map Changes using a conversion chart of zoning districts illustrating how we are consolidating the number of zoning districts; this illustration is followed by a 2 page summary that will help answer questions.

We are currently working through all of the individual CDO property survey feedback responses. These requests first go to the Ordinance Review Committee, and then they are forwarded to the Plan Commission during their Administrative Meetings. The CDO surveys have been helping staff and the Plan Commission review properties at a more granular level. Please make sure to check the latest CDO map for updates. Prior to the adoption of the CDO text and zoning map, each property owner will receive mailed notice of the proposed zoning change, as well as the location, date and time of the hearing. Public comment will be heard at the upcoming public hearings (exact date TBD).

Update – October 2023

Hello – Thanks for everyone that could join us for our latest CDO Listening Sessions. We have uploaded Summary Notes from the meeting here: https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1698267122_95444.pdf.

If you haven’t already, please submit your feedback by November 17, 2023, regarding Module 2 of the draft CDO and draft zoning map. A press release describing the ways in which you can provide feedback is located on the County website: https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1700080274_09463.pdf. The public will still have a chance to comment on any portion of the CDO up until the public hearing (exact date TBD, 2024). Prior to the public hearing, all County landowners will receive mailed notice notifying them of the date, time, and place of the hearing.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to go over how the CDO will impact your property, please call the Planning office (812-349-2560) or email us (PlanningOffice@co.monroe.in.us) for more information. We have a”Planner of the Day” that can assist you M-F 8am-4pm.

Update – August 2023

Hello!

Please join us to voice your opinions about the County Development Ordinance! The Monroe County Planning Department is hosting four listening sessions with elected and appointed County Officials to hear from you regarding the draft zoning map, as well as hearing comments about the draft use table from Module 2. Please help spread the word, including posting our flyer. The information you provide will be critical in revising the County’s new ordinance and zoning map. We are hosting four public meetings throughout the County. All meetings will be conducted to hear from the public at different locations in the County – please attend one of the following to provide your feedback –

 Thursday, August 24, 5:30- 6:45 PM – Monroe County Public Library 900 W Gordon Pike, Bloomington, IN 47403. Conference Room A/B or Zoom (see below).

Tuesday, August 29, 5:30 – 7:00 PM – Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington, 200 Daniels Way, Bloomington, IN 47404. Lamkin Hall or Zoom (see below).

Thursday, August 31, 5:30 – 7:00 PM – Ellettsville Town Hall, 1150 W. Guy McCown Drive, Ellettsville, IN 47429. Council Hall or Zoom (see below).

Tuesday, September 5, 5:30 – 7:00 PM – Monroe County Government Center 501 N Morton St, Bloomington IN 47404. Room 100B or Zoom (see below).

Zoom Information (same Zoom link for all four meetings):
Link: https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/82824998065?pwd=QXNVVTA3SWw2SXJhMDluRm90bjR6QT09
Passcode: 176389
Phone Number: 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 828 2499 8065

For the meeting, Planning staff will assist you with finding out what your current and proposed zoning will be, and what is changing at your property. During the meeting, we will be handing out this one-pager to assist with the meeting.

Wonder what your property is currently zoned? Check out Elevate GIS or contact a planner (see below). How about your proposed zoning? Check out the draft zoning map or contact a planner (see below). Don’t have availability for one of these meetings? You can also fill out an online survey here.

The Monroe County Planning Office administers the zoning and subdivision requirements for areas outside of the Town of Ellettsville and the City of Bloomington. We have planners on staff M-F 8AM-4PM that can assist you in understanding any proposed changes. Give us a call or email (P: 812-349-2560; E: planningoffice@co.monroe.in.us).

Update – April 2023

Hello Monroe County residents!

The Planning Department would like to thank everyone who attended the CDO Focus Groups on March 23, 2023. We appreciate the feedback provided at each of the three Focus Groups as we continue to work on finalizing Module 2 of the County Development Ordinance.

Please stay tuned for more updates regarding future meeting dates and locations, to be determined, as we continue to edit and take feedback on Module 2.

For members of the public who would like to read about what was discussed during each Focus Group, we have compiled a summary memo which can be viewed here.

You may also find the summary on the Monroe County Government webpage under, “Infrastructure” → “Planning” → “Useful Links” https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/apps/document/center.egov?eGov_searchDepartment=13&eGov_searchType=5.

Please see the March 2023 update to view the full PowerPoint presentations and recordings of the meetings.

Update – March 2023

We will be hosting Focus Groups on March 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM via Zoom only. There will be an option to join 1 of 3 separate Focus Groups that will be held concurrently. All meetings will be recorded and links will be provided shortly after the meetings for your review:

  1. Economic Development – This group will discuss high-level zoning map proposed changes as it compares to the existing zoning map. The group may discuss the economic development potential for land throughout the County. Link to PowerPoint. Link to Zoom Recording.
  2. Environmental Review – This group will be focused on proposed changes to the watershed protection areas for Lakes Monroe, Griffy, and Lemon. Link to PowerPoint. Link to Zoom Recording.
  3. Construction Review – This group will go through examples in the Draft Use Table and focus on the standards required for each use to obtain feedback. Link to PowerPoint. Link to Zoom Recording.

The goal of the Focus Groups will be to gather public feedback on CDO Module 2 and Draft Zoning Map through these three topics. Planning Staff will begin each Focus Group with a brief presentation and guided questions for the group. Each meeting will last 1hr 15 minutes to allow adequate time for feedback and for questions to be answered.

PowerPoint Links:

  1. Economic Development
  2. Environmental Review
  3. Construction Review

March 23rd, 5:30 PM

Planning CDO Meeting 3 – Economic Development

https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/84576101538?pwd=TE45Z1FjaGYyRHhBNXZwMmNzU1NFdz09

Meeting ID: 845 7610 1538

Password: 754021

Dial by your location

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)​

Meeting ID: 845 7610 1538

March 23rd, 5:30 PM

Planning CDO Meeting 1 – Environmental Review

https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/81445707148?pwd=c3h3RkdGVXdSQ2dDREJWKzZqQWdzUT09

Meeting ID: 814 4570 7148

Password: 086908

Dial by your location

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)​

Meeting ID: 814 4570 7148

March 23rd, 5:30 PM

Planning CDO Meeting 2 – Construction Review

https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/84041129292?pwd=SlZzT1c2eHlwZG9ETGxqeUl3d2EyZz09

Meeting ID: 840 4112 9292

Password: 718524

Dial by your location

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)​

Meeting ID: 840 4112 9292

Update – February 2023

Dear Monroe County Residents,

Your feedback is needed on the Monroe County Development Ordinance (CDO), which updates land use regulations and zoning across the County.

We are asking for your feedback on Module 2 of the Zoning Ordinance by Tuesday, February 28. Please see below for how to provide feedback as well as links to the information needed for your review:

The CDO has been divided into 3 modules. A timeline of events will be as follows:

Module 2: Public feedback on Module 2 of the CDO is currently being received and reviewed by the County Planning Department and the Plan Commission. The Module 2 use table and draft zoning map has been released and staff is requesting feedback through February 28, 2023. There will be subsequent addition of the environmental overlays under Module 2, which will warrant a longer timeline for feedback as those have yet to be released.

Module 2 review covers the:

Steps to provide feedback:

  • Option 1: click on a property parcel in the draft zoning map. A popup box will appear with a link to a feedback survey for that parcel.
  • Option 2: visit the general survey and complete one survey identifying a larger area – or – multiple addresses that you would like to see addressed.

*REMINDER*

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 is the deadline to provide CDO Module 2 feedback to County Planning Staff!

Looking for Updates?

Remember to always check the CDO website for information about our next public engagement event. If you’ve signed up for our email list serve, be on the lookout for any emails you may receive from us! The Monroe County Planning Department is hoping to put together a virtual option to engage with Module 2 to include focus groups for different groups throughout the County to attend and voice their feedback.

Referenced documents:

  • Current and draft zoning maps show current and proposed (future) zoning
  • Module 2 draft (beginning page 4 of the PDF) provides details on proposed zoning districts, zoning use regulations, design standards, development standards, overlays and special districts, subdivision standards, administration, and definitions
  • Existing and new zone chart defines zone acronym

Update – November 2022

The Monroe County Planning Department invites you to join our next Plan Commission meeting to discuss the latest updates to the Monroe County  Development Ordinance. A draft of the latest Module 2 will be sent out to everyone at least 5 days before the meeting. During the meeting, you will have an opportunity to ask questions of both staff and the consultants, McBride Dale Clarion, and learn more about the Module 2 draft. For those that are able to attend in-person, we will have print outs of the zoning map and will have several planners present to help you in person. If you are attending virtually or cannot make it, you may contact our office anytime M-F 8-4 PM to discuss your property and questions you may have. Your input is critical to help inform us as we solidify the draft zoning map and Module 2 ordinance. Please be sure to check out the draft zoning map and offer feedback via the survey if you haven’t already, or call our office at 812-349-2560 to help answer any questions you may have.

Link to CDO Draft: Plan Commission Packet – 20221213 (PART 1 – CDO Discussion)

Please join us for the Plan Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 5:30 PM.  The meeting is held both in-person at the Monroe County Courthouse and virtually via Zoom.  Please see below for details.

Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Time: 5:30 PM

Link to Virtual Meeting: https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/81647669411?pwd=VWFFYWFPYjY4NjJxZGJnR2d0YkI5UT09

If calling into the Zoom meeting, dial: 312-626-6799. When prompted, enter the Meeting ID: 816 4766 9411 and Password: 353753

or,

In-person Meeting: Monroe County Courthouse, Nat U. Hill III Meeting Room, 100 W Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN.

Update – July 2022

We wanted to provide you all with an update! The Consultants are currently editing the remaining portions of Module 2 (Permitted Use table, Overlays, and Zoning Districts) and will have a full draft of Module 2 for public review this fall.  Please be sure to check out the draft zoning map and offer feedback via the survey if you haven’t already, or call our office at 812-349-2560 to help answer any questions you may have.

We will update you shortly about the next opportunity for in-person meetings regarding the CDO.

Update – September 20, 2021

The Monroe County Planning Department is hosting a virtual public engagement meeting for the County Development Ordinance to review the draft zoning map and have a discussion about permitted uses in each zone. The format of this virtual meeting is going to complement the in-person public engagement events hosted a few weeks ago at County park shelters. The meeting will be setup to break the public into different breakout rooms to allow for smaller group size engagement with planning staff. We will be going over the draft zoning map with you, as well as reviewing the County’s current list of permitted uses.

When: Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 5:30-7:30 PM

Where: Zoom: https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/81146475525?pwd=OVhYQ2VVdDZ2eEh0NmdoTTBoUldWdz09

Meeting ID: 811 4647 5525

Password: 198341

Should you have questions regarding the meeting, please let us know. It is recommended you join from device that you can read materials presented on the screen. We hope to see you there!

Update – September 3, 2021

Much thanks to everyone that showed up to last night’s meeting – another productive evening. The next public in-person meeting is as follows:

When: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 6-7:30 pm
Where: Danny Smith Shelter (6800 E State Rd 45, Bloomington, IN 47408)

The shelter is located right near the parking area (Google Map Pin here).

Here is the DRAFT zoning map for your initial review: https://arcg.is/1Wra5L0. To learn how best to utilize this map, staff put together a 4 minute ‘how-to’ video that you may find useful: https://youtu.be/clyuYiXnE7k.

At the meeting, we will have printouts of the proposed and existing zoning for each township. There will be an opportunity to speak to staff about your property using paper maps and technology as we are able to in the shelters. If you have a smart phone, please be sure to bring it as it may come in handy.

COVID-19 precautions: Please note that for everyone’s safety, we will be requiring each attendee where a mask when possible (staff will provide masks to anyone that needs one). We will be outside for the entirety of the meeting but under a shelter. We will be hosting the meeting, rain or shine. If you feel at all uncomfortable, or if you come down with symptoms prior to this meeting date, we can accommodate you in our upcoming Zoom public engagement meeting instead. We appreciate you all doing your part!

Update – August 31, 2021

Thanks to everyone that was able to make it to last night’s meeting. We had a very productive evening! We are looking forward to seeing you all for the next public meeting on Thursday, September 2, at 6 PM at Karst Farm Park.

When: Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 6-7:30 PM
Where: Karst Farm Park, located at 2450 S Endwright Rd, Bloomington, IN 47403
Shelter Information: We will meet in Shelter 9AB (exact location here: Google Maps)

Here is the DRAFT zoning map for your initial review: https://arcg.is/1Wra5L0. To learn how best to utilize this map, staff put together a 4 minute ‘how-to’ video that you may find useful: https://youtu.be/clyuYiXnE7k.

At the meeting, we will have printouts of the proposed and existing zoning for each township. There will be an opportunity to speak to staff about your property using paper maps and technology as we are able to in the shelters. If you have a smart phone, please be sure to bring it as it may come in handy.

COVID-19 precautions: Please note that for everyone’s safety, we will be requiring each attendee where a mask when possible (staff will provide masks to anyone that needs one). We will be outside for the entirety of the meeting but under a shelter. We will be hosting the meeting, rain or shine. If you feel at all uncomfortable, or if you come down with symptoms prior to this meeting date, we can accommodate you in our upcoming Zoom public engagement meeting instead. We appreciate you all doing your part!

Update – August 25, 2021

Hello! Please stay tuned for our upcoming Zoom public meeting date.

Want to join our in-person meetings on Monday, August 30, or Thursday, September 2? Email us at planningoffice@co.monroe.in.us to get information sent directly to your email. Alternatively, you can give our office a call at 812-349-2560.

We are also releasing the DRAFT zoning map for your initial review: https://arcg.is/1Wra5L0. To learn how best to utilize this map, staff put together a 4 minute ‘how-to’ video that you may find useful: https://youtu.be/clyuYiXnE7k.

Update – August 16, 2021

Hello everyone! You are invited to attend a community meeting about the latest updates to Module 2 of the Monroe County Development Ordinance. We are hosting in-person and zoom meetings for all County residents. Our in-person meetings will be occurring at County park shelters (Flatwoods, Smithville Diamonds, Karst Farm Park, or Danny Smith) in accordance with recommended COVID-19 precautions. During this meeting, you will have an opportunity to learn about Modules 1 and 2 of the drafting process as well as view the draft zoning map for your area. During the meeting, you will be able to provide feedback on the draft zoning map, and be able to ask questions of staff about your property. Your input is critical to help inform us as we solidify the draft zoning map and Module 2 ordinance.

So that we can plan accordingly and estimate attendance either in-person or virtually, please take a moment to fill out the following survey by August 22, 2021:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScg0VH_F5N1dInSY3-ZhiWOfMrwAVzh3oE_12ngdH52CVEXYw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Following the survey deadline, we will communicate with you directly via email to give you information on the location, date, and time of the meeting.

***NOTE: to follow COVID-19 precautions, we have opted to keep all in-person meetings completely outdoors at park shelters. We will have masks and hand sanitizer for anyone that would like to participate in person. Staff will take all necessary precautions to maintain social distancing. There will be a virtual option for all those that wish to participate via Zoom and we will ensure equal opportunity for engagement.

Update – January 20, 2021

Thanks to everyone that was able to join us last night! We had a very productive second meeting to review Module 1 and will be looking for comments from the public! Please send your comments by March 31, 2021 to monroecdo@co.monroe.in.us. The recording from the two Plan Commission meetings are also available:

December 14, 2020 & January 19, 2021

At last night’s Plan Commission meeting (January 19, 2021), the Plan Commission voted to proceed with drafting of Module 2. This will include a draft zoning map and draft Module 2 content including a list of permitted uses in each zoning district. The timeline for a draft of Module 2 is tentatively scheduled for Spring/Summer 2021. Please sign up for our list serve to participate in future public engagement opportunities!

Update – January 15, 2021

We will be taking another look at Module 1 at the January 19, 2021 Plan Commission meeting. We invite the public to join us for this conversation about upcoming changes and what you would like to see incorporated into the new ordinance!

Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Time: 5:30 pm

Zoom link: https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/81207978336?pwd=UGRnR3ZNdG85WU5xTjZNU0hISU9vdz09

If calling into the Zoom meeting, dial: 312-626-6799. When prompted, enter the Meeting ID #: 812 0797 8336. Password: 816280

Link to Packet: Plan Commission Meeting Packet Part 1 (CDO Module 1)

Update – December 10, 2020

The first draft of Module 1 of the Monroe County Development Ordinance is complete (See here)!

As a reminder, the Ordinance update is broken into three modules. Module 1 focuses on Procedures and incorporates feedback from public engagement efforts conducted through the summer and fall. If you would like a summary of how the focus groups are directly impacting the content of the CDO, see Focus Group Summaries.

Staff will present the Module 1 draft at the December 14 Monroe County Plan Commission meeting to highlight and discuss some of the larger changes in the document. While this meeting is not a hearing, all comments/input will help to further develop the document going forward. We will continue the Module 1 discussion at the January 19 Plan Commission meeting.

See below for the link to the meeting packet for December 14 Plan Commission Meeting and minutes from previous meetings.

Date: *Monday, December 14, 2020

Time: 5:30 pm

Zoom link: https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/83170871840?pwd=WWhPazI0RTRvZHNOcEJKYmYwM3ZQUT09

If calling into the Zoom meeting, dial: 312-626-6799. When prompted, enter the Meeting ID #: 831 7087 1840. Password: 774436

Link to Packet: Plan Commission Meeting Packet Part 1 – CDO (also attached here)

Looking ahead:

  1. Module 2: Districts and uses. This will also include a draft of the Zoning Map
  2. Module 3: Dimensional and Development Standards and Definitions

As we move into Modules 2 and 3, there will be many more opportunities for engagement and input. If you would like more in-depth information regarding each module, see this status update to the Plan Commission. If this email was forwarded to you and you want to be on the list to receive future updates, go to our CDO website.

Let us know if you have questions – we are available by email and by phone (812-349-2560)!

Update – September 24, 2020

We are currently drafting Module 1 of the Monroe County Development Ordinance and anticipate having a draft for review by November 2020.

Planning staff has conducted public engagement outreach efforts for Module 1 that included a virtual kick-off meeting, a first round of focus group discussions, and the opportunity to join Plan Commission meetings where detailed project updates were provided.

We want to provide you with an update from the seven focus group meetings, consisting of 54 total participants (links to recorded meetings available by request). These focus groups were open to all county residence who were willing to share their knowledge and experience with the County’s existing Zoning Ordinance. These meetings gave us the opportunity to gather feedback from Monroe County residence regarding their perspective of the Monroe County Zoning Ordinance in terms of what is working and what is not.

See Focus Group Summaries for a summary by McBride Dale Clarion of how these 7 focus groups are directly impacting the content of the CDO moving forward.

There will be many more opportunities for engagement throughout the update process.

Looking ahead:

1. Module 2: Districts and uses. This will also include a draft of the Zoning Map – Winter 2020/2021
2. Module 3: Dimensional and Development Standards and Definitions – Spring 2021

If you want to see the more in-depth information regarding each module, see this status update to the Plan Commission.

Let us know if you have questions – we are available by email and by phone (812-349-2560)!

Update – August 14, 2020

Thank you to everyone that made it to our focus group meetings! If you would like to get involved, simply add your name to our list serve. The objective of these focus groups during Module 1 is to generate discussions across a variety of County residents in order to identify opportunities for the ordinance update.

We recorded all of the focus group meetings – if you would like to get a link to any of the meetings, please email us at monroecdo@co.monroe.in.us and we would be happy to send that information to you. We had a lot of helpful discussions that will help inform the County Development Ordinance, and we are looking forward to more public engagement planned for the future!

As a reminder, we are in Module 1 (Procedures) of the County Development Ordinance. The Consultants are currently drafting Module 1 chapters and we will be making those available to the public. The estimated timeline for a first draft will be around November 2020. Stay tuned for more updates!

Focus Group Schedule and How to Attend

We are looking forward to hearing from you! We have setup several focus groups and hope that you are able to attend. The meeting schedule is listed below, along with the Zoom link information:

  • Friday July 17 at 8 AM – Affordable Housing/Neighborhood Development
  • Tuesday July 21st at 9:30AM -10:30 AM Engineering, Construction & Architecture
  • Tuesday July 21st at 3PM -4 PM Agricultural Provisions
  • Thursday, July 23rd at 9:30AM-10:30AM – Environmental Protections
  • Thursday July 23rd at 4PM-5PM Citizen Advisory
  • Friday July 24th at 2PM -3 PM Historic Preservation
  • Friday July 24th at 4 PM- 5 PM Economic Development

Zoom Link: https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/84244669497?pwd=ZzBVSnpKbkgzRGVzZjZLc2c4bHhIUT09

Meeting ID: 842 4466 9497
Password: 328391
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,84244669497# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,84244669497# US (Chicago)

For those of you unable to make it to these meetings, we will record the focus groups and make those available on our website. Thank you!

Meeting to Discuss Module 1 of the CDO – July 21 at 5:30 PM

The Consultants for the CDO, McBride Dale Clarion, just released the Module 1 diagnosis memorandum for the public to review! Module 1 includes the procedural chapters of the Zoning and Subdivision Control ordinances. Please join our next Plan Commission meeting on July 21, 2020 at 5:30 PM (held via Zoom) to learn more about the next steps for the CDO and to hear about the proposed changes that will be made to Module 1 of the ordinance.

The Planning Department is also seeking feedback from the public on Module 1 through focus groups, conversations, and questionnaires. Stay tuned for more information on how to stay updated. Sign up for our list serve to get the latest updates!

NOTE: Changes made to the ordinance are not in effect until official action is taken by the County Commissioners and the public is notified. Let us know if you have questions about this process 812-349-2560.

Virtual kick-off meeting – UPDATE from the May 27, 2020 Meeting

Thank you to those who made it to our first virtual kick-off meeting (Recording here: http://catstv.net/m.php?q=8240). We had about 60 people in attendance on Zoom, with others tuned in to CATS TV. We are looking forward to proceeding with public engagement and drafting the first module of the Monroe County Development Ordinance. A few details from our engagement meeting are highlighted below.

We heard from many people in attendance and from the Plan Commission that we should create and utilize Focus Groups. Areas of interest included:

  • Affordable Housing/Neighborhood Development
  • Environmental Protections
  • Engineering/Surveyors/Realtors/Architect/Land Use Lawyers
  • Historic Preservation
  • Citizen Advisory (made up of County residents)
  • Economic Development
  • Agricultural Provisions

Please reply by email or respond to this survey if you would like to be a part of one of these groups.

We will organize zoom meetings and phone calls with focus groups to help inform different parts of the ordinance drafting. We will also develop online questionnaires to gather feedback from the public. These will be made available on our website and Facebook page.

Lastly, we talked about where we are in the drafting process. We are currently in Module 1. Here is what these modules look like, and what the estimated timeline of completion is:

  1. Module 1: Procedures/administration/subdivision rules and regulations – Fall 2020
  2. Module 2: Districts and uses. This will also include a draft of the Zoning Map – Winter 2020/2021*
  3. Module 3: Dimensional and Development Standards and Definitions – Spring 2021*

*Before moving on to the next module, the Monroe County Plan Commission will vote on whether to proceed given the current COVID-19 conditions. However, the ordinance and related zoning map will be subject to public comment and a public hearing throughout the process and will require legal notice to all County property owners following Module 3 and prior to the public hearing.

If you want to see the more in-depth information regarding each module, see this status update to the Plan Commission.

Let us know if you have questions – we are available by email and by phone (812-349-2560)!

Opportunity for Public Input – COVID-19 Precautions

The Planning Department can answer questions about the opportunities for County properties using the draft County Development Ordinance by phone (812)349-2560 or by email MonroeCDO@co.monroe.in.us. We are prioritizing public input and will be discussing how best to move forward in a way that is safe for the community as well as transparent. Call or email us!

Timeline

The project is going to be kicked off on May 27, 2020. The CDO is broken into 3 modules that will be reviewed at the kick-off meeting. The modules are as follows***:

Module 1: Procedures, Administration, and Subdivision to comply with statutory requirements

Module 2: Zoning Districts and Uses

Module 3: Dimensional and Development Standards and Definitions

***Stay tuned for more updates!

Sign up for Updates!

You can sign up for updates by adding your email to our list. Go to the Public Input page and click “Yes” on the box that says “Sign up for Updates.”

Monroe County is updating and rewriting both the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Control Ordinance to create a County Development Ordinance or CDO . Be a part of it!

Please visit this site periodically as we continue to add content and information as this project gets underway.

Project Update Presentation

Stay tuned for updates!

About our Project

Monroe County adopted a county-wide 20-year Comprehensive Plan in February 2012, and subsequent amendments to the plan in the form of an Urbanizing Area Plan in 2015 and a Framework Zoning Plan and Code Diagnostic in December 2016. We are now implementing a strategy to rewrite the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance for consistency with these adopted Plans. The last complete rewriting of the zoning regulations was in 1997. The Zoning Ordinance has been amended in piecemeal fashion since that time. These regulations need to be reorganized, codified, and illustrated to explain the concepts of the regulations, while also implementing the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan.

 
Project Goals
  • Follow the vision, goals, and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan(s) and encourage economic, environmentally-friendly and socially sustainable development
  • Facilitate significant and meaningful public input during the process, including any workshops, open-houses or focus groups
  • Meet the County’s desire to direct future land uses to compatible areas
  • Amend the Zoning Map; creating new zoning districts that include the recommendations which are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Urbanizing Area Plans
  • Provide commonly used definitions and a user-friendly set of guidelines in clear, simple language or in illustrated language. Ensure language is clearly stated to avoid, whenever possible, disputes of interpretations
  • Update the Ordinances so that they are more responsive to contemporary development trends, recognize diverse physical characteristics of Monroe County, and encourage quality development
  • Update the Ordinances so that they are current with all local, state and federal statutes and are consistent with recent case law and constitutional determinations
  • Develop new Zoning Districts, Land Use concepts, Development Standards, and form-based code recommendations consistent with those concepts set forth in the Urbanizing Area Plan Framework and Comprehensive Plan
  • Clearly establish criteria for conditional land use and variance consideration/approval
  • Establish clear procedures for zoning related applications and identify opportunities for process simplification and flexibility consistent with identified community goals and proposed objectives
  • Reduce and/or streamline the caseloads of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and County staff, by crafting regulations that require fewer requests for variances, conditional use permits and rezoning cases
  • A reorganized code available to the general public on-line at the County’s web site, in an “easy access, easy look-up” format with electronic query capability, by search terms and by process type, that allows for future amendments to be easily incorporated into the on-line presentation format