Building and Zoning

Responsibilities of the Building and Zoning Administrator

The building and zoning administrator for the Town of Hope is responsible for the proper interpretation of and enforcement of the zoning ordinance, the subdivision control ordinance, the unsafe structure ordinance, and the rental property registration ordinance.

Prior to a building permit issuance, the building and zoning administrator reviews the building plans and site plans. These plans are compared to requirements in the zoning ordinance making sure that the planned use is compatible with the zoning classification, making sure that all required set backs are met, making sure that all other developmental standards are met. If it is determined that the plans are satisfactory, then a building permit shall be issued. All inspections are conducted by the Bartholomew County Department of Technical Code via contract.

If the plans do not meet all developmental standards, then the request is denied. The property owner may then petition the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance from developmental standards. The building and zoning administrator prepares all public notices and provides technical support to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

The building and zoning administrator is responsible for reviewing all subdivision applications and plats to insure that all provisions of the Subdivision Control Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and Master Plan are met. If the application and plat meet the requirements, a public notice is prepared for a Plan Commission Meeting. The building and zoning administrator provides technical support to the Plan Commission.

The building and zoning administrator is responsible for enforcement of the zoning ordinance. When the building and zoning administrator is made aware of a property in violation of the ordinance, an investigation is conducted and, if needed, a notice of noncompliance is issued with a deadline for compliance. Failure to comply, results in escalating penalties up to and including court appearances. The building and zoning administrator will work closely with the town’s attorney to resolve such matters.

The Town Council has enacted the Unsafe Structure Ordinance. Any structure, residential or commercial, that meets the criteria set forth in the ordinance will be ordered repaired or demolished. It is the duty of the building and zoning administrator to identify these properties, write the notice of violation to the property owners and work in conjunct ion with the town’s attorney to gain compliance.

The Town Council enacted the Rental Property Registration Ordinance. The building and zoning administrator is tasked with compiling a complete list of rental units, notifying the landlords of the requirement of annual registration and listing of a local contact for each property. A penalty will be assessed to the land lord for failure to register each rental unit. The building and zoning administrator will work with the town’s attorney in assessment of penalties to non-compliant landlords.

Contact Information

404 Jackson Street
Hope, IN 47246
Phone: 812-546-6403