The Plan Commission of Winona Lake, Indiana met Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in the Town Hall at 4:30 p.m. Noted as present:

Members: Craig Allebach, Jeff Carroll, Dave Turner, Lynette Dick, Rolly Ortega and Mark Workman

Others: Dick Leaf, Town Building Commissioner, Brent Wilcoxson, and Retha Hicks as secretary

Mark Workman, Plan Commission Vice-President, opened the meeting. The minutes for December were accepted.

Garage or Accessory Building - Dick asked if the town needs to regulate the type of construction for a garage or accessory building. The town currently has pole buildings for garages but they are located in woods and are not on main streets. But if a neighbor would call and complain, he needs direction. He is concerned that at some point it would not fit into the neighborhood. We need to protect the beauty of the residential area viewable from the street. What would be the language to limit pole buildings? Possibly constructed of materials similar to the house? What are other towns doing? Craig will get the language and come back to the Plan Commission with a recommendation. Possibly look at Lexington Manor covenants.

Carport – A pole type structure with a canvas covering for the top would not be acceptable. A metal top would be fine. Wording could be a permanent roof or materials similar to the house. The structure would have to meet all the setbacks and the percentage of coverage requirement per lot.

Limit the number of accessory buildings – The current regulations allows 30% - 35% coverage on a lot for buildings. Dick does not allow an accessory building in the front yard. The committee would like to see accessory buildings limited to two (one detached garage and one accessory building) and no accessory building in the front yard. The property owner has the availability to go to the BZA to ask for a variance if needed.

Definition of a structure – Dick asked about four poles with a lattice on the top was a structure (pergola). After some review, if it is attached to the ground, it is a structure. No structure is allowed on the property line. A deck is a structure and would not be allowed to be on the property line because the setback would be violated. If a situation arises, the BZA would need to pass a variance. Normally, Dick requests the fence stay back from the property line by 6 inches.

Fence needs to be defined. What are other communities doing? Look up some examples. Currently, if the fence is below 4’, the property owner does not need a permit. The committee would like to see the standards lowered to require a permit for most fences and to regulate the materials used.

Time frame for new house construction – Currently, the permit if for 1 ½ years and can be renewed. The committee requested the renewal be for a term of 6 months and at that time everything has to be completed (an occupancy permit issued). Change the permit fee to a sliding scale in relationship to the size of the home. Look at Warsaw’s fees. (Possibly 7 or 8 cents per square foot)

Our current regulations requires off street parking if a house is demolished and rebuilt. Dick will check on the Senior Center parking. If there are enough handicap spots, etc? The sidewalk needs attention and/or the parking lot needs reconfigured.

The meeting was adjourned.

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Mark Workman, Plan Commission Vice-President Retha S. Hicks, Secretary